Airbus A321 XLR
Airbus · France · first flew 2023 · airliner
The A321 XLR is the ultra-long-range variant of the A321 NEO family, its structural rear centre tank and aerodynamic refinements enabling non-stop flights of up to 8700 km with 180–220 passengers.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Range of approximately 8700 km enables transatlantic single-aisle operations previously requiring widebodies; same 44.5m fuselage length as A321 CEO and NEO |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Distinctive conformal belly fairing aft of the nose gear housing the structural rear centre fuel tank (RCT) — absent on all other A320-family variants
- Sharklets and large-diameter LEAP or GTF nacelles as on A321 NEO, but reinforced main undercarriage with new bogie geometry
- Range of approximately 8700 km enables transatlantic single-aisle operations previously requiring widebodies; same 44.5m fuselage length as A321 CEO and NEO
The belly fairing beneath the forward fuselage is unique to the XLR among all A320-family jets and is the definitive recognition feature at ground level or in low-altitude overflight; otherwise shares the sharklet and large-nacelle appearance of the A321 NEO.
Specifications
- The Airbus A321 XLR has a length of 44.5 m (146 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 35.8 m (117 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 833 km/h (518 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 flight crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Launched at the 2019 Paris Air Show, the A321 XLR made its first flight in June 2023 and received EASA type certification in late 2024, entering service with Iberia. The integral rear centre tank, replacing the bolt-in ACTs of the A321 LR, requires a modified fuselage structure and unique belly fairing.
Variants
The XLR is itself the pinnacle variant of the A321 family; no further stretched or range-extended sub-variants have been announced.
Where you'll see it
Entry into service began in 2024 with Iberia; large orders placed by American Airlines, United Airlines, Air India and others position it to reshape medium-haul markets that previously required twin-aisle aircraft.
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