A321neo

Airbus is offering airlines brand-new options for configuring the generous floor space offered by its A321neo, allowing more flexibility and thus increasing the total number of available seats.  These new cabin options capitalize on recent innovations in cabin monuments and seat design that enable more efficient use of cabin space without compromising passenger comfort.

The A321neo jetliner – which has a 95% airframe commonality with Airbus’ A320 Family – fits seamlessly into the existing global fleets of the company’s single-aisle product line – an important factor for customers and operators.  The A321neo provides minimum change with maximum benefit for the A320 through incorporation of two new engine choices – CFM International’s LEAP-1A and Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G-JM geared turbofan – along with fuel-saving wingtip devices Sharklet™. The A321neo shares a common type rating with other members of the Airbus A320 Family, which allows A320 Family pilots to fly the aircraft without additional training.

The industry-leading quality and efficiency of Airbus’ A320 Family – of which the A321 is a member – is being further enhanced with its new engine option (NEO) jetliner versions. Incorporating Airbus’ “Sharklets” and two new engine choices, the A320neo Family offers maximum benefit with minimal changes from baseline A319s, A320s and A321s – delivering per seat fuel improvements of 20%, along with additional range of up to 500 nautical miles/900 km. or 2 tonnes of extra payload.  

For the A321neo – delivered to a customer for the first time in April 2017 – Airbus expanded seating capacity with optimised use of cabin space, increased exit limits and a new cabin door configuration. This “Cabin-Flex” option increased the jetliner’s maximum certified capacity to 244 seats, while still accommodating Airbus’ modern comfort standard of at least 18-inch wide seats.  

The A321LR variant provides extended range for the A320neo Family’s longest fuselage version, able to fly routes of up to 4,000 nm with 206 passengers by utilising extra fuel in three Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs).

Ideally suited to transatlantic routes, the A321LR allows airlines to tap into new long-haul markets that were not previously accessible with current single-aisle aircraft. Operators can outfit its cabin in state-of-the-art two-class configurations – including full-flat seats for true long-haul comfort – or in a single-class layout. The A321neo offers true long-haul comfort, featuring full-flat seats, low interior noise and latest IFE.

The A321LR’s long-range capability was certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in October 2018. The first A321LR was delivered to launch customer Arkia Israeli Airlines in November 2018.

The A321XLR is extending the single-aisle jetliner offer as Airbus’ next evolutionary step for the A321neo Family, with a service entry planned in 2023. It will offer even more range – up to 4,700 nm (8,700 km) – in a comfortable 2-class layout, thanks to an increased maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 101 tonnes, which enables the jetliner to be fitted with a permanent Rear Centre Tank (carrying 12,900 litres of fuel) and an optional forward Additional Centre Tank.

Aerodynamic-enhancing Sharklets on the wings and fuel-efficient engines ensure outstanding environmental performance: 20% lower fuel burn per seat, 5,000 tonnes less CO₂ per year, and a noise footprint that is 50% lower for passengers and airports.

Configured with true long-haul full flat seats – or up to 244 passengers in single class layouts – the A321XLR cabin will benefit from the Airspace interior, featuring a range of cabin elements providing both tangible benefits for passengers and differentiation for airlines. With the A321XLR, the A320neo Family not only will share common cockpit ergonomics with the Airbus wide-body jetliners, but also will have a common cabin design language and the latest technology.

Among the new interior’s enhanced elements are the largest overhead storage compartment (called “XL bins”) with 40% more volume, as well as iconic ceiling lighting, new sidewall panels, a new lavatory design, new window bezels, and coloured LED lighting for the cabin.

With single-aisle flight times growing longer with the A320neo’s increased range, Airbus prioritises in-flight wireless connectivity to enhance the passenger experience, while also keeping cabin personnel and flight crews informed of the on-board status.