Wizz Air Takes Delivery of World’s First Airbus A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney Engines
Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has just received its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming not only the first airline in the world to operate this model with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines but also the first European low-cost carrier to add this next-generation aircraft to its fleet.
What Makes the A321XLR Special?
The A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) represents the latest evolution of Airbus’s highly successful A320neo family. This model offers a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, enabling airlines like Wizz Air to launch long-haul routes without the need for wide-body aircraft.
Additionally, it stands out for its remarkable efficiency: it reduces fuel consumption per seat by 30% compared to previous-generation aircraft. It also lowers nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and environmental noise, solidifying its role as a cleaner solution for air travel.
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A Cabin Designed for Comfort
The 239 seats on Wizz Air’s A321XLR are configured in a single-class layout and are part of Airbus’s new Airspace cabin. This design features an advanced lighting system with multiple modes tailored to each phase of the flight: boarding, meals, rest, sleep, and waking. This innovation aims to enhance passenger comfort on extended journeys.
Boosting Connectivity Between Europe and the Middle East
With the addition of the A321XLR, the airline strengthens its ability to connect European destinations with the Middle East more efficiently and directly. Wizz, which already operates an all-Airbus fleet, has an active fleet of over 230 A320-family aircraft and 295 more units on order. This growth reflects an ambitious strategy to expand into key markets.
Airbus and the Future of Sustainable Flight
Another key aspect of the A321XLR is its capability to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims to have all its aircraft certified to fly with up to 100% SAF by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
To date, Airbus has received over 500 orders for the A321XLR, a clear indication of the interest this model is generating in the global aviation industry.
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