BOURGET AIR SHOW

THE SUCCESS OF THE AIRBUS 321 XLR

The A321 XLR is a medium-capacity, long-haul single-aisle aircraft that can connect Central Europe to the United States, Southeast Asia and Australia. The technical specifications of this A321 XLR (for eXtra Long Range) reports 700 miles (1,300 kilometers) of additional battery life, in addition to the 4,000 (7,400 kilometers) of the base version. With approximately 200 to 250 seats, this intermediate module responds to the demand for direct links between secondary cities without going through the hubs where large aircraft are operating.

This Wednesday, June 19, major names in aviation have come aboard this program. The Australian company Qantas has ordered 36 copies, American 50, and Indigo Partners, the US investment group owners of low-cost Frontier, Jestsmart (Chile), Volaris (Mexico) and Wizz Air (Hungary), 50 aircraft also. Orders in addition to those passed Monday and Tuesday by IAG (British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, Level) for 14 copies, Saudi Arabian Airlines (15 aircraft), Cebu Pacific (10 aircraft), Middle East Airlines ( 4) and the ALC leasing company (27 aircraft). In total, Airbus already totals 206 orders for its new aircraft that could know other orders.

This marketing start reflects the relevance of this aircraft which is capable of providing flights of 10 hours with 200 to 250 passengers on board. This device also meets the demands of both conventional companies and low cost companies.

If this success is confirmed, such a commercial start could cause Boeing to give up its NMA project ("New Midsize Aircraft"), sometimes called B797, an aircraft destined to occupy the 200-270 seat market segment.

In any case, the A321 XLR seems tailor-made for low-cost long haul companies.

For Airbus this device creates new opportunities. Associated with the A321 LR but also with the A330-Neo, it can constitute a family of complementary planes on the long-haul.