Aer Lingus receives its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft

Ireland’s national carrier Aer Lingus recently received its first of six A321XLR aircraft, becoming the second in the world to operate the A321XLR as well as the second in the International Airlines Group (IAG).



Above: The first A321XLR for Aer Lingus taking off from Airbus Hamburg.
©Airbus


Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, the aircraft took off from the Airbus production site in Hamburg, Germany, on 18 December to Aer Lingus’ home base at Dublin airport, Ireland.

The Aer Lingus A321XLR is configured with 184 seats in a two-class layout featuring 16 full-flat Business Class and 168 Economy Class seats. .

The aircraft will enable Aer Lingus to operate new routes beyond the US East Coast and Canada, with destinations including Nashville and Indianapolis.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step of the A320neo Family, delivering an extra long range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, some 15% more range than the A321LR, with lower fuel burn per seat, NOx emissions and noise. So far, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the type.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Related

USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the USAF's 100th ARW takes off from RAF Mildenhall for a mission on 21 August 2025. Image: USAF/Staff Sgt Kevin Long
USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
The USAF has relocated 12 aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid heightened security measures and growing concerns over new Iranian threats.
Aerospace Defence Security

10 Nov 2026

British Airways owner warns UK green fuel targets could raise air fares
BRIZE NORTON, UK: RAF Voyager aircraft being fuelled with 43% SAF from IAG/British Airways/bp at Brize Norton on 16 April 2023
British Airways owner warns UK green fuel targets could raise air fares
IAG chief executive Luis Gallego has warned that higher environmental compliance costs could feed through to air fares.
Aerospace

10 Nov 2026

IFS Cloud supports Copa Airlines’ maintenance across more than 130 aircraft
Copa Airlines maintenance hangar new opening
IFS Cloud supports Copa Airlines’ maintenance across more than 130 aircraft
IFS has migrated Copa Airlines’ maintenance operation to its hosted cloud, bringing engineering, planning and maintenance together for over 1,300 users.
Aerospace Member News

9 Nov 2026

Major upgrades at Beacon Barracks get underway
Image showing the SFA (Service Family Accommodation) estate, built at Beacon Barracks in Stafford, UK. The Beacon Barracks project (SFA Borona) was a £150 million scheme to create a major hub for the UK’s armed forces. The redevelopment programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) provided 346 new homes, workshops, single living accommodation, offices, garages, a junior ranks catering, retail and leisure facility, training, sports and medical services.
Major upgrades at Beacon Barracks get underway
Work has begun on additional infrastructure at Beacon Barracks in Stafford for Army personnel relocating there from 2029, consisting of two new Single Living Accommodation blocks, new workspaces for the Royal Engineers, Intelligence Corps and Joint Military Command - Centre and a new Police Station for the Royal Military Police.
Defence

10 Nov 2026

USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the USAF's 100th ARW takes off from RAF Mildenhall for a mission on 21 August 2025. Image: USAF/Staff Sgt Kevin Long
USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
The USAF has relocated 12 aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid heightened security measures and growing concerns over new Iranian threats.
Aerospace Defence Security

10 Nov 2026

NATO accelerates procurement for counter-drone technologies
NATO HQ
NATO accelerates procurement for counter-drone technologies
In an effort to acquire counter-drone solutions at pace, NATO has launched the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) marketplace as part of its Drone Edge initiative.
Defence Member News

10 Nov 2026

UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
Titania Satellite
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Defence Space

9 Nov 2026

Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
Member News Space

5 Nov 2026

Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.
USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the USAF's 100th ARW takes off from RAF Mildenhall for a mission on 21 August 2025. Image: USAF/Staff Sgt Kevin Long
USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
The USAF has relocated 12 aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid heightened security measures and growing concerns over new Iranian threats.
Aerospace Defence Security

10 Nov 2026

Inside the BBC’s ‘Black Sky’ plan to keep the UK informed during a major blackout
close up of hand holding a radio in an emergency situation with a lamp and water bottle
Inside the BBC’s ‘Black Sky’ plan to keep the UK informed during a major blackout
According to a BBC report, around100 staff would operate a specially prepared emergency radio studio.
Security

10 Nov 2026

Serco certified by GCAA as UAE’s first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider
Serco certified as UAE's first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider.
Serco certified by GCAA as UAE’s first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider
Under the UAE's new national regulatory framework, Serco has been certified by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as the first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider complying with regulatory requirements, designed to improve safety and professional operational standards across the Emirates.