Airbus Launches Longest-Range Single-Aisle Aircraft, A321XLR
Following rumors that the next variant of the A320 family was on its way, Airbus made its firm announcement on Monday. During the opening day of the Paris Air Show, Airbus detailed its longest-range single-aisle aircraft, the Airbus A321XLR.
The A321XLR will have a range of 4,700 nautical miles, or about 5,400 miles — 15% more than the A321LR, its closest counterpart. The latest variant of the A320 family will begin flying passengers in 2023.
Along with Monday’s announcement of the new aircraft entering the A320 family, Airbus also shared the launch customer of the new aircraft, Air Lease Corporation.
The Los Angeles-based lessor signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 27 A321XLRs and 50 A220-300s. The LOI also includes an incremental order for an additional 23 A321neos, which can be either the LR or XLR option. (Air Lease does not actually fly aircraft, but rather leases them out to airlines.)
With 30% less fuel burn per seat than its previous-generation competitor aircraft, Airbus says that its A321XLR offers airlines more value in adding the option to operate a single-aisle aircraft on longer-haul routes.
The A321XLR allows carriers to fly from various airports in North America to South America, Europe and beyond. For example, a nonstop route from New York to Rome or from Chicago to Barcelona isn’t out of the question. Some passengers may be hesitant to choose a narrow-body jet for a 4,500-mile flight, though, depending on the product airlines choose to offer.
Airbus is touting the long-range capability of the aircraft, paired with a more passenger-friendly cabin. Customers can opt to feature a cabin with lie-flat seats, wider economy seats, mood lighting, larger overhead bins and more.
The A321LR, which has a range of 4,000nm (4,600 miles), has been a success thus far, with 13 operators ordering more than 130 aircraft. So, what makes it so much more fuel efficient and longer-range? The A321XLR will feature a new permanent Rear Centre Tank for more fuel volume, as well as modified landing gear for an increased 101-ton maximum takeoff weight.
The A321XLR will compete with the New Mid-Market Aircraft (NMA) Boeing is said to be in the midst of developing. The Boeing aircraft is set to replace its current 757 and 767 aircraft. That announcement was rumored to also have been made this week at the Paris Air Show, though Boeing’s focus has switched to its ongoing issues with its 737 MAX.
“I believe that until those issues are fully resolved on a global scale, this other project will be a little bit in cold storage,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Air Lease Corporation Executive Chairman. Air Lease Corporation CEO John Plueger and Udvar-Házy emphasized that Monday’s order is independent of the issues and product development (potential NMA) at Boeing.
Current A321LR lessees of Air Lease Corporation include Aer Lingus, SAS, Azores, Air Arabia, Air Astana, Peach, S7, Sky Airline (Chile). There has not been any announcement on which carrier(s) will fly the A321XLR once it's delivered beginning in 2023.
Will there be other A321XLR orders on the horizon? “I dare say yes,” said Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer.
All images courtesy Airbus.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.