Following Iberia’s unveiling of the A321XLR’s debut destinations, Aer Lingus, also part of the IAG Group, announced on October 4 that the Airbus aircraft will take over the Dublin-Nashville route in the US.
The Irish carrier, which was to be the launch customer for the ultra-long-range narrowbody jet, will receive six aircraft, the first of which is close to completion.
Flights between Ireland’s capital and Tennessee’s “Music City” will begin on April 12, 2025 and will operate four times a week.
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“We are thrilled to add Nashville to our expanding North American network, offering Irish customers direct access into one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in the United States,” said Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus’ Chief Customer Officer.
Range of up to 4,700 nm
After ordering 14 A321XLRs in 2019, shortly after its launch, IAG Group chose Aer Lingus as its first operator.
However, months ago, salary discussions with the airline’s pilots ended in an impasse and IAG passed the privilege of debuting the aircraft to Iberia.
Developed from the A321LR, the new jet can fly non-stop for up to 4,700 nm (8,700 km).
To achieve this performance, Airbus installed a new fuel tank in the rear of the fuselage, in addition to reinforcing other structures and equipment.
Development took longer before type certification was issued by EASA in July.
For now, only the A321XLR powered by CFM Leap-1 engines has been approved by the European civil aviation authority.
