Aer Lingus No Longer the Launch Customer of New A321XLR

LONDON- Aer Lingus (EI) parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), has conveyed that the Irish carrier will no longer be the launch customer of Airbus A321XLR.

This decision came due to an ongoing pay-related dispute between Aer Lingus and its pilots. The tension could last longer than expected.

Photo: Tobias Gudat

Aer Lingus A321XLR

In a statement provided to ch-aviation, the IAG, also the parent of British Airways (BA), stated,

Furthermore, the London-based group emphasized its commitment to making commercially viable fleet investments that can generate returns.

The company has not yet finalized decisions regarding future A321XLR deliveries. Initially, IAG had placed orders for fourteen A321XLRs, six of which were intended for Aer Lingus and eight for Iberia (IB).

Ch-aviation reported that there is an ongoing dispute between Aer Lingus and the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) over a proposed pay increase in March 2024.

EI Pilots sought a wage hike of over 20%, while the airline was unwilling to exceed 8.5%. The dispute is currently before Ireland’s Labour Court, which is anticipated to issue its recommendation in the coming days.

Iberia A321 XLR Spotted

According to reports from Spanish newspaper El País, Iberia is expected to introduce the A321XLR into its fleet in the fourth quarter of this year.

The A321XLR bearing manufacturer serial number (MSN) 11504 showcases Iberia’s livery on its tail and winglets.

The aircraft may be deployed to launch transatlantic routes to destinations such as Atlanta (ATL), Orlando (MCO), Philadelphia (PHL), and Charleston (CHS).

Conversely, MSN 11348 (rumored to be the inaugural airframe of this type to be delivered and expected to be designated as EI-XLR) still displays Aer Lingus’s decals on its tail and wings.

Despite having yet to receive its type certificate, Airbus has secured around 500 firm orders for the A321XLR. IndiGo (6E) leads among its largest customers with 69 units on order.

Photo: Robin Hardy

Game Changer Airliner

The A321XLR, which stands for Xtra-Long-Range, is a game-changer in the world of single-aisle aircraft. It represents the latest advancement in the ongoing development of the A320 Family program.

What sets the A321XLR apart is its ability to integrate with an airline’s fleet of widebody aircraft seamlessly. This aircraft allows airlines to increase their capacity, open new routes, or maintain service on existing routes, even when passenger demand varies.

The A321XLR’s remarkable adaptability has made it a favorite among airlines, with over 550 total orders (including options) already placed by more than 25 customers. This aircraft is a valuable extension of an airline’s route network.

Additionally, thanks to the standard Airspace cabin, it can be configured to strike the right balance between passenger comfort and seating density, catering to the specific needs of each airline.

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