Wizz Air has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR. The aircraft was handed over at the manufacturer’s delivery centre in Hamburg, and will form part of the airline’s long-haul, low-cost strategy.
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Direct routes, such as London-Jeddah were previously only possible with a wide body aircraft. However, the XLR allows LCC’s such as Wizz to fly further point-to-point with the familiar all-economy business model. The airline has 46 more XLR jets on order, with seven further aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2025. Data from IBA Insight shows that the airline currently has a total of 295 A320-family aircraft on order.
Describing the delivery as a ‘momentous occasion’ Benoît de Saint Exupéry, Chief Commercial Officer of Airbus said: “Wizz Air becomes the first operator for the A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. This latest generation aircraft will deliver Wizz Air outstanding economic benefits thanks to its range capability – the longest ever of a single aisle aircraft – and its increased payload. As Wizz Air continues its remarkable growth, Airbus remains by its side, supporting the airline’s expansions with the latest generation aircraft taking its customers to untapped destinations.”
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