Airbus has put the seat-count for its longer-range A321neo at 206, up from earlier indications of a capacity of 164.
The airframer disclosed the new specification of the 97t aircraft during a briefing in Toulouse.
US-based lessor Air Lease has become the first customer to sign for the type, with a tentative agreement for 30.
Airbus says the type will have “minor improvements” to the wing and fuselage.
Chief operating officer for customers John Leahy states that the aircraft will have up to three auxiliary fuel tanks, giving it a potential range of 4,000nm.
He says that Air Lease chief Steve Udvar-Hazy had suggested that the aircraft could become a replacement for the Boeing 757-200.
Over 300 757s are operating transatlantic services, says Leahy, but some 160 others are plying other routes – including around 100 serving European-Asian links.
“The longer-haul single-aisle market is a lucrative one that the A321neo will now dominate,” claims Leahy.
Both engine options for the A320neo family will be available on the A321neo variant. Deliveries will begin by 2019.
Air Lease ordered 60 A321neo jets during the Farnborough air show last year. The longer-range A321neo agreement is supplemental to this agreement.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
