The second-ever Airbus A321XLR was delivered to Aer Lingus on Wednesday. The Irish airline joins its IAG-counterpart, Iberia, which received the world’s first A321XLR in October.
Aer Lingus’ first long-range A321 – registered as EI-XLR – ferried from Airbus’ Hamburg, Germany, manufacturing facility to its Dublin hub. The carrier has six on order, with another planned for delivery by the end of 2024.
The airline was initially slated to receive its first A321XLR last week, but the flight was repeatedly delayed.
Iberia – which is also part of the International Airlines Group – became the A321XLR’s launch customer in late October. The carrier began long-haul revenue flights with the new aircraft between Madrid and Boston last month.
First Routes
Aer Lingus already has plans to stretch the A321XLR’s legs on new U.S. routes. The jet has a published range of 4,700 nautical miles.
Starting in April 2025, the carrier will launch flights from Dublin to Nashville, Tennessee, with the new aircraft. The service will operate four times per week.
Then, in May, Aer Lingus plans to start service to Indianapolis. These flights will also operate four times per week.
