Airbus A321XLR set to shake up medium haul aviation as first commercial flight takes to the sky

Airbus A321XLR set to shake up medium haul aviation as first commercial flight takes to the sky

Iberia Airlines has launched a new dawn of aviation history, carrying out the first commercial flight using a new Airbus A321XLR.

Captain Jose Del Valle made history piloting the inaugural long-haul passenger flight of the Airbus A321XLR from Madrid to Boston, last week.

The A321XLR is a standout jet in the Airbus fleet, with new technology enabling flights of up to 11 hours or a distance of around 8,700km – numbers that far exceed the range of similar single-aisle planes.

Thanks to improved aerodynamics, larger fuel tanks and engines that burn significantly less fuel, the A321XLR offers airlines the flexibility to introduce new routes or increase services on existing ones.

Qantas will see the first of its 28 orders in April next year as the carrier aims to replace its older Boeing 737s and expand route options.

For passengers, the A321XLR means a more eco-efficient flight with upgraded cabins featuring larger overhead bins, modern USB ports, and free Wi-Fi for messaging.

The A321XLR is the elder sibling to the A320 Neo that Qantas group described as a key tool on its journey to being carbon neutral by 2050. Speaking at an Airbus and Jetstar roundtable hosted at last year’s Avalon Airshow, Jetstar’s chief operating officer, Matt Franzi said the group is focused on a 25 per cent carbon emission reduction by 2030.

Despite its compact size, the A321XLR represents a leap forward in sustainable travel. Burning 30 per cent less fuel than previous models, it positions itself as the greenest long-haul option.

Airbus A321 Neo: The key to a sustainable future for Jetstar

 

 

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