Airlines expand long-haul operations with Airbus A321XLR

Iberia operates some of the longest flights with this model. The Madrid to Washington Dulles route tops the list with a maximum block time of 9 hours and 40 minutes. This service began using the A321XLR on April 12 when it transitioned from an A330 operation. The change allowed for year-round service and increased frequency during peak seasons.

Aer Lingus also uses the A321XLR for long-haul routes like Dublin to Nashville and Dublin to Indianapolis, both launched recently.

In South America, Iberia will debut flights using the A321XLR from Madrid to Recife on December 13 and Fortaleza on January 19. These routes are part of a broader strategy leveraging the aircraft's capabilities for launching new thin long-haul connections.

The introduction of these services underscores how airlines use the Airbus A321XLR's range capabilities to explore new markets or enhance existing ones across various regions.