[AMcWhirter]

Over the previous months we have reported on those airlines who have ordered the A321XLR.

This new aircraft will enable airlines to operate long-haul routes more economically because of its range.

Now Reuters reports that European regulators have mandated that Airbus resign the rear central fuel tank. The latter is to provide extra fuel allowing the A321XLR to extend range by 15 per cent.

A321XLR has a maximum range of up to 8,700 kms. The modified fuel tank, which is heavier, is expected to lower the range by 370 kms.

370 kms may not seem a lot but it could be crucial for airlines like Jet Blue and Icelandair who have purchased A321XLRs to enable them to extend their operations.

Of course I suppose the airlines could reduce the seat count but then that would increase operational costs.

North America is a very important market for Icelandair. Airlineweekly.com reports that the Reykjavik-based carrier now carries more passengers to North America than it does to Iceland.

Full report here:

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/airbus-a321xlr-faces-growing-range-gap-after-design-tweak-sources-2023-07-21/

We reported on the A321XLR in June 2022. It was scheduled to enter service this year but the modification is expected to delay service entry to 2024.

Airbus A321 XLR takes first flight

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Bullfrog, Swissdiver, fqtvgla, cwoodward

[BackOfThePlane]

London to San Francisco is given as 8638kms so, in theory, the ‘loss’ of 370kms would remove that as an option. At the same time, and if there was a choice (flying economy), I would actively look to avoid flying any great distance in a narrow body aircraft.

[AMcWhirter]

Yes but I would have thought the A321XLR is aimed more at niche airline and/or for niche, rather than volume, routes,

As we reported last April Icelandair has chosen Airbus instead of Boeing for its future fleet.

Its present B757s and B737s cannot match the range of Airbus’ product.

Icelandair has ordered 13 A321XLRs in addition to 12 A321LRs.

The latter have a range of up to 7,400 kms.

Mileage Reykjavik to San Francisco is 6,765 kms.

Airlineweekly reports that Icelandair now carries more passengers from Europe to North America (via Iceland) than it does to Reykjavik itself.

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Bullfrog, BackOfThePlane

[BackOfThePlane]

Sorry, I was being slightly facetious with the London – San Francisco route and understand that the XLR is aimed at long, thin routes. For those major airports in Europe that have spare slots, I would have thought that the XLR would be ideal for a number of routes to Africa, such as Dar Es Salam & Lusaka.

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AMcWhirter

[Kjell]

Just looking at range as one number isn’t really correct. The range could be 8638 one day one direction, but be something completely different the next day going the other direction. Winds are not constant. And flying into headwinds decrease range.

[AMcWhirter]

Indeed. But the fact remains that this A321XLR will still have the longest range of any narrow-body.

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tomwjsimpson

[Author]

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