Wizz Air UK Delays Airbus A321XLR Launch Again

LONDON- Wizz Air UK (W9) has postponed the introduction of its Airbus A321XLR aircraft for the second time due to “an unforeseen issue during the delivery process,” the airline confirmed to ch-aviation.

The low-cost carrier has not revealed a new timeline for the aircraft’s arrival, and specific reasons for the delivery delay remain undisclosed.

Photo: By tjdarmstadt – IMG_9636.jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61529963

Wizz Air A321XLR Launch

The airline originally planned to launch its first A321XLR revenue flight on the London Gatwick (LGW) to Jeddah (JED) International route on March 31. This date was later rescheduled to April 10 but now faces another delay of unspecified length.

Despite these setbacks in aircraft delivery, Wizz Air UK (W9) proceeded with its expansion plans and launched London-Riyadh flights using A321neo aircraft instead.

However, this aircraft has a shorter range compared to the A321XLR. To compensate for this limitation, the airline has reduced passenger capacity on these flights to decrease the aircraft’s weight, enabling nonstop operations between the two airports without refueling stops.

Photo: By tjdarmstadt; Wikimedia Commons

Future Fleet Plans

The first A321XLR for Wizz Air UK (W9) will bear the registration G-XLRA (manufacturer serial number 11631) and will become the inaugural A321XLR in the entire Wizz Air (W9) group’s fleet.

Wizz Air Holdings has ordered 47 A321XLR aircraft across its 4 Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), which include Wizz Air (W6), Wizz Air Malta (W4), and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi (5W), in addition to Wizz Air UK (W9).

The A321XLR represents an extended-range variant of the A321neo, distinguished by its increased range and improved fuel efficiency.

The aircraft features several key technical enhancements, including a rear center fuel tank, reinforced landing gear, and optimized wing flaps, enabling it to achieve a maximum range of 4,700 nautical miles.

This aircraft can accommodate up to 244 passengers and contains a fuel capacity of 32,940 liters (8,700 US gallons), making it well-suited for longer routes that were previously served by larger wide-body aircraft.

Technical Specifications

• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 101 tonnes
• Range: 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers)
• Fuel Capacity: 32,940 liters (8,700 US gallons)
• Passenger Capacity: Up to 244 seats
• Overall Length: 44.51 meters (146 feet)
• Wingspan: 35.80 meters (117 feet 5 inches)
• Height: 11.76 meters (38.7 feet)
• Efficiency: 30% lower per-seat fuel burn compared to previous-generation aircraft

The continued delays in receiving this aircraft type may impact Wizz Air UK’s planned network expansion, particularly for routes requiring the extended range capabilities that only the A321XLR can provide in a single-aisle configuration.

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