The debut of the A321XLR in service could be delayed by a few weeks, according to Reuters. Iberia, the launch customer for the Airbus aircraft, told the agency that the first of these jets is only expected to be delivered in the second half of October.
Until then, the ultra-long-range narrow-body jet was expected to be delivered at the end of summer in the northern hemisphere.
Iberia has scheduled familiarization flights for its crews starting on October 26, with destinations London (Heathrow) and Paris (Charles de Gaulle).
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The first transatlantic flight of the 182-seat aircraft is scheduled for November 14, between Paris and Boston, in the United States.
In July, Airbus secured type certification from EASA for the variant with CFM Leap-1 engines, while the A321XLR equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF turbofans is only expected to be approved early next year.
Aer Lingus will also receive the A321XLR
Originally, Aer Lingus, a subsidiary of the IAG Group like Iberia, was to be the first operator of the aircraft, but discussions with the pilots’ union led the holding company’s management to change plans.
However, an A321XLR in the colors of the Irish airline was seen taxiing at the Hamburg facility. Aer Lingus is expected to receive two of these jets by the end of the year.
The aircraft is considered a game-changer in long-haul flights because it has a range of 4,700 nm (8,700 km), enough to take on routes that are currently only possible with widebodies.
Airbus has at least 500 orders for the variant, which was launched in June 2019.
