Quantcast

Airbus explores differences between A321 and new long-range variant

These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
Airbus explores differences between A321 and new long-range variant
Policy
Webp messenger creation 4c021953 c93e 4098 9f8d d989d4fe3ac7
Airbus A321 | Official Website

The Airbus A321 and A321XLR, while similar in appearance, have distinct differences that set them apart. Both aircraft are integral to many airlines' narrowbody fleets, but they cater to different needs.

The most notable difference between the two is their range capabilities. The A321-100 and -200 variants can travel just over 3,000 nautical miles, according to the Lufthansa Group. In contrast, the A321XLR offers a range of nearly 5,000 nautical miles as reported by Airways Magazine. This extended range is primarily due to its fuel tank configuration. While the A321-200 can be equipped with additional auxiliary fuel tanks, the XLR features several more tanks along with a larger rear center tank.

There are also aesthetic differences in their fuselage designs. The A321 has "Type C" emergency exit doors that resemble boarding doors. The XLR's exits vary but typically include traditional over-wing window exits due to its lower density configuration. Additionally, behind the XLR's wings is a misaligned "plug" style window which allows for flexible seating configurations.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Engine design further differentiates these aircraft. The engines on the XLR appear wider and rounder compared to those on the original A321, which are longer and narrower as per Airport Technology reports.

The history of the A321 dates back to its launch in November 1988 and entry into service in 1994 with Lufthansa as its first customer. Initially designed for short-to-medium-haul flights within high-demand markets like Europe and Florida vacation destinations, it has evolved significantly since then.

In terms of operators, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are currently among the largest users of the A321 series globally. Both airlines deploy these aircraft mainly on medium- to short-haul routes because of their higher-density cabin layouts.

Globally, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Turkish Airlines maintain large fleets of both A321 models. According to Airbus' data from April this year, there are over 3,376 A321ceo and neo aircraft operational worldwide across more than 130 operators.

Airbus launched the A321neo program in 2010 as part of an effort to offer more fuel-efficient engines developed in collaboration with CFM International and Pratt & Whitney. This initiative laid the groundwork for subsequent models like the LR (Long Range) variant introduced in late 2015 by Arkia Israeli Airlines.

At the Paris Air Show in 2019 came another milestone: Airbus unveiled its latest model –the long-range point-to-point market-oriented–A320neo family member called 'A32XLr.' It boasts unique fuel distribution systems enabling redistribution throughout flights ensuring efficiency across varying distances flown during operations globally today!

American Airlines will soon receive delivery marking them first US-based carrier utilizing this innovative solution promising exciting times ahead especially when considering potential routes served including Oslo Norway Manchester UK Lisbon Portugal São Paulo Brazil Santiago Chile amongst others!

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Boeing has proposed a new delivery timeline for the Air Force One jets, now suggesting they could be ready by 2027.

May 19, 2025

Simple Flying has released the latest episode of its podcast, featuring discussions on recent developments in the aviation industry.

May 19, 2025

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has announced its support for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's initiative to include pilots and flight attendants in the state's Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) protections.

May 19, 2025

Airlines for America announced its support for modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system and pledged to collaborate with Secretary Sean Duffy and President Donald J. Trump to advance necessary reforms.

May 19, 2025

EVA Air has announced the launch of nonstop service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Taipei, Taiwan, starting October 3, 2025.

May 19, 2025

ITA Airways has announced an extension of its suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 25, 2025.

May 19, 2025