TOULOUSE- Airbus is set to deliver the world’s first Pratt & Whitney-powered A321XLR to Wizz Air (W6), marking a significant milestone in aviation.
Wizz Air (W6), a Hungarian low-cost carrier, plans to deploy the A321XLR on a new London Gatwick (LGW)–Jeddah (JED) route, further expanding its network with this advanced aircraft. The Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine certification ensures operational readiness for this new variant, FlightGlobal reported.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrAirbus to Deliver A321XLR to Wizz Air
Airbus is preparing to deliver its first A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G engine. This aircraft will go to Wizz Air (W6), which has ordered 47 units as part of its fleet expansion strategy.
Wizz Air initially opted for the Pratt & Whitney engines in 2016 for its A321neo fleet, showcasing its long-term commitment to advanced, fuel-efficient technologies.
The A321XLR has already proven its versatility, with previous deliveries equipped with CFM International Leap-1A engines going to Iberia (IB) and Aer Lingus (EI) in late 2024.
This flexibility in engine options highlights Airbus’ adaptability to meet diverse customer preferences. Wizz Air plans to debut its new A321XLR on the London Gatwick-Jeddah route starting in March, leveraging the aircraft’s extended range to expand its operational footprint.
Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G engine, certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on December 12, 2024, has attracted 13 customers for a total of 217 A321XLR orders.
This certification marks a critical step in enabling the aircraft’s global deployment and underscores its readiness for long-haul, high-efficiency operations.
Photo: Robin HARDYGlobal Demand and Future of A321XLR
Since its unveiling at the Paris Air Show in 2019, the A321XLR has secured approximately 500 orders globally, a testament to the growing demand for long-range, narrow-body aircraft.
Unlike traditional launches, Airbus introduced the XLR “on speculation,” without pre-existing orders, a bold move that paid off given the aircraft’s popularity.
The broader A321neo program has also seen remarkable success. In 2024, Airbus delivered 361 A321neos, a 14% increase from the previous year.
These aircraft accounted for nearly 60% of the A320neo family deliveries, reflecting a clear market preference for this model.
To meet this demand, Airbus is investing in its production facilities to ensure all A320neo final assembly lines are A321neo-capable. The company aims to produce 75 A320neo-family aircraft monthly by 2027.
The A321XLR represents a pivotal advancement in aviation, combining long-range capabilities with fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for budget and premium carriers alike.
As Wizz Air prepares to deploy this aircraft, it signals a broader trend toward sustainable and cost-effective air travel solutions.
Airbus’ strategic investments in production capacity and engine versatility position the company to meet the growing demand for the A321XLR and beyond.
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Wizz Air Announces New Route for A321XLR, London to Jeddah
The post Airbus to Deliver World’s First A321XLR with P&W Engine to Wizz Air appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
