Spanish carrier Iberia and Ireland's Aer Lingus have become the latest operators to commit to the long-range Airbus A321XLR, with a combined agreement for up to 28.
Parent company IAG says the deal features 14 firm aircraft – eight for Iberia and six for Aer Lingus – plus 14 options.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2023. The company puts the list price of the XLR at $142 million.
Airbus
Each aircraft will be fitted with a two-class layout including full-flat seats in the business cabin.
"They will also feature the same gate-to-gate inflight entertainment, internet connectivity and ambient lighting as new generation long-haul aircraft," adds IAG.
The twinjets will allow Aer Lingus – already a long-range A321LR customer, with deliveries taking place this year – to operate new transatlantic services beyond the US east coast.
Airbus
Iberia will also be able to enhance its transatlantic network, says IAG.
IAG chief executive Willie Walsh says the XLR has the "same unit cost as a widebody long-haul aircraft", which will support profitable expansion.
No engine selection has been disclosed but both Iberia and Aer Lingus are strong CFM International customers, having opted for the Leap-1A engine for A320neo-family orders.
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Source: Cirium Dashboard
