Hungarian carrier Wizz Air has received its first Airbus A321XLR on May 20 2025, two months later than initially planned.
Long-Haul Expansion
The Airbus A321XLR is the latest evolution in Airbus’ A320neo series, extending the range of single-aisle jets to new levels. Delivered to London Luton from the Airbus plant in Hamburg Finkenwerder, the new aircraft has an all-economy cabin and can seat up to 239 passengers. However, delivery was deferred twice and should have initially been delivered in March this year.
The extended range of the XLR provides non-stop flights to destinations only previously accessible by wide-body aircrafts, potentially allowing the Hungarian carrier to provide direct routes on long-haul flights, whilst maintaining their low fare initiatives. For example, the plan was to deploy the new jet on a London Gatwick-Jeddah International route.
What does this mean for the future?
The launch event for the addition was held at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Hamburg and the airline’s CCO, Owain Jones, had this to say:
“Aligning with our recently announced Customer First transformation, the arrival of our first A321XLR is a defining moment for Wizz Air and our valued customers. This aircraft is one of the great results of our two decades long successful cooperation with our key partner, Airbus, that bring a revolution to air travel, enabling us to offer non-stop intercontinental routes at unbeatable prices while maintaining our commitment to efficiency and flying with lower emissions.”
The A321XLR also runs alongside Wizz Air’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation, they have opted for Gen Phoenix’s Essence for the seating, made from materials that can be fully recycled at the end of their service-life. All in all the addition marks an exciting step into the future for the airline and ticks all their boxes.
More about Wizz
Founded in 2003, Wizz Air is a low-cost airline with its main headquarters based in Budapest, Hungary. Wizz Air does have multiple subsidiaries like Wizz Air UK, Abu Dhabi and Malta. The airline were also named ‘Best Airline for Carbon Reduction’ at the inaugural Carbon Awards 2024.
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