Icelandair, based in Keflavik, has taken delivery of its first ever Airbus aircraft – a significant shift across the aisle for an all-Boeing operator, until now. The jet that won the order for the Icelandic carrier? The A321LR- the first of four to be leased from SMBC Aviation Capital Limited. The airline will also take delivery of 13 A321XLRs.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, Icelandair’s A321LR comprises 187 seats in a two-class configuration (22 Business and 165 Economy Class seats). The aircraft’s airspace cabin features XL bins, providing 60% more stowage space compared to previous generation aircraft for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew alike. In addition, Icelandair passengers will benefit from advanced gate to gate connectivity, next generation inflight entertainment and the latest lighting system enhancing well-being and the overall passenger experience on board.
The A321LR is ideally suited to transatlantic routes, providing extended range with an aircraft capable of flying routes up to 4,000 nautical miles. The A321LR’s technology and advanced fuel efficiency delivers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft. In addition, as with all Airbus aircraft, the A321neo aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), increasing to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030. Icelandair’s A321LR aircraft will support the airline's sustainability efforts, regarding operational efficiency while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.
Airbus’ A321 family is proving to be the money-maker for airlines, mostly due to the efficiency it’s able to deliver for airlines.
A321neo (new engine option aka “NEO”) — which first flew in February 2016 — has a range of approximately 3,700 nautical miles. It’s also capable of flying transatlantic between Paris and New York in an all-Business Class configuration — but most airlines are using the jet for mid-haul routes. Airlines are still able to place orders for the jet.
A321LR (long-range) — the aircraft first flew in January 2018, has a range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles, and is capable of flying from London to New Delhi non-stop. It’s already in service with multiple airlines, including TAP Air Portugal, Aer Lingus, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, Air Astana, and Scandinavian Airlines.
A321XLR (extra long-range)— The aircraft has a range of over 4,700nm and an increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 101 tonnes, enabling the jet to be fitted with a permanent Rear Centre Tank (carrying an extra 12,900 litres of fuel) and an optional forward tank. American Airlines, United, and Qantas are set to take the jet. It entered service with Iberia last month.
The A321XLR has secured dozens of orders. Australia’s Qantas Airways is backing Airbus’ new extended range A321XLR with an agreement covering 36 aircraft. International Airlines Group (IAG) has selected the A321XLR to expand its fleet of highly efficient single aisles with a firm order for 14 aircraft. Of these, eight are destined for Iberia, which became the launch customer operator of the jet last month. IAG, the parent company of major airlines also including British Airways, Level and Vueling, is one of Airbus’s largest customers and this agreement will take the overall order from the group to 530 aircraft. IAG airlines combined operate one of the world’s largest Airbus fleets with over 400 aircraft. Qatar Airways remains the single largest shareholder in IAG.
Willie Walsh, now IATA chairman, but former IAG chief executive, said at the time of the order: “The A321XLR has the same unit cost as a widebody long-haul aircraft which will enable profitable network expansion. This will strengthen both Dublin and Madrid hubs providing new transatlantic routes and additional flexibility for connecting passengers. These aircraft will also bring further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits.”
Air Canada will also take the A321XLR, Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada said: "Air Canada is committed to further strengthen its market-leading position, especially through investments in new technology. The acquisition of the state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR is an important element of this strategy and will drive our core priorities of elevating the customer experience, advancing our environmental goals, network expansion and increasing our overall cost efficiency.”
Gerd Weber, Head of A320 Family Value Stream Management & FALs points out: “In the final assembly of the A321XLR aircraft there is not a big variation compared with the other A321 aircraft. The major differences in the -XLR are seen in the ‘pre-final assembly’, at section assembly level, where the rear-centre-tank is installed, for example.”
He added: “This test aircraft has a partial cabin installed to leave space for all the required flight test equipment. What is also specific for this first A321XLR aircraft is that there is a lot of documentation work to be done, especially for flight test installation, which is very different from our serial process. This requires a special focus by all the teams in closing the documentation and dealing with any discrepancies.”
The author is an aviation analyst. X handle @AlexInAir.
Alex Macheras
