View source for Engineering:Airbus A321neo

{{Short description|2010s narrow-body airliner by Airbus}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
| name = A321neo
| image = File:B-HPB@HKG (25-6-2022).jpg
| caption = An Airbus A321LR of Cathay Pacific
| logo = Logo_Airbus_A321.svg
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
 | type              = Single-aisle airliner
 | national origin   = Multi-national<!-- Use the main nation (e.g. UK), not constituent country (England); don't use "EU". List collaborative programmes of only 2 or 3 nations; for more than 3, use "Multi-national" per Template:Infobox aircraft type and WP:Air/PC guidelines. -->
 | manufacturer      = [[Company:Airbus|Airbus]]
 | first flight      = 9 February 2016
 | introduction      = 31 May 2017 with Virgin America
 | status            = In service
 | produced          = 2016–present
 | primary user      = Wizz Air
 | more users        = IndiGo <br />American Airlines<br />[[Company:China Southern Airlines|China Southern Airlines]]<!--Limit is three TOTAL in "more users" field.-->
 | number built      = 1,248 {{as of|2023|12|lc=y}}<ref name="Airbus_O_D">{{cite web |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/commercial-aircraft/market/orders-and-deliveries |title=Airbus O&D |publisher=[[Company:Airbus|Airbus S.A.S.]] |date=31 December 2023 |access-date=11 January 2024}}</ref>
 | developed from    = [[Engineering:Airbus A321|Airbus A321]]<br />[[Engineering:Airbus A320neo family|Airbus A320neo family]]
}}
|}The '''Airbus A321neo''' is a single-aisle airliner created by [[Company:Airbus|Airbus]]. The A321neo (''neo'' being Greek for "new", as well as an acronym for "new engine option") is developed from the [[Engineering:Airbus A321|Airbus A321]] and [[Engineering:Airbus A320neo family|Airbus A320neo family]]. It is the longest stretched fuselage of [[Engineering:Airbus A320 family|Airbus's A320 series]], and the newest version of the A321, with the original [[Engineering:Airbus A321|A321ceo]] entering service in 1994 with Lufthansa.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-21 |title=So wurde Norddeutschland mit dem Airbus A321 zur Boomregion des Flugzeugbaus |url=https://www.stern.de/reise/deutschland/airbus-a321---so-wurde-norddeutschland-zur-boomregion-des-flugzeugbaus_7887118-7886982.html |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=stern.de |language=de}}</ref> It typically seats 180 to 220 passengers in a two-class configuration, with up to 244 passengers in a high-density arrangement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-07 |title=A321neo {{!}} A320 {{!}} Aircraft {{!}} Airbus Aircraft |url=https://aircraft.airbus.com/en/aircraft/a320-the-most-successful-aircraft-family-ever/a321neo |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=aircraft.airbus.com |language=en}}</ref>

The A321neo was announced by [[Company:Airbus|Airbus]] in December 2010, as an improvement & replacement to the A321ceo.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-19 |title=A321 The New Long Ranger |url=https://www.key.aero/article/a321-new-long-ranger |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=www.key.aero |language=en}}</ref> Fitted with new engines and [[Physics:Wingtip device|sharklets]] as standard, the A321neo has the longest fuselage of any Airbus [[Engineering:Narrow-body aircraft|narrow-body airliner]] of commercial use. Fitted with [[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM International LEAP-1A]] or Pratt and Whitney PurePower PW1100G-JM [[Engineering:Geared turbofan|geared turbofan]] engines, Airbus advertises a 20% increase in [[Physics:Fuel efficiency|fuel efficiency]] per passenger, with 500 nautical miles more range, or 2 more tons of payload. Boeing introduced a new generation of their competing narrowbody family [[Engineering:Boeing 737 MAX|737 MAX]] one year after the introduction of the A321neo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boeing Introduces 737 MAX With Launch of New Aircraft Family |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2011-08-30-Boeing-Introduces-737-MAX-With-Launch-of-New-Aircraft-Family |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=MediaRoom}}</ref>

The A321neo began production in 2016, with final assembly taking place in Hamburg, Germany.{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}} It entered service with Virgin America on 31 May 2017, taking its first commercial flight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Finlay |first=Mark |date=2023-08-10 |title=Early History: How & Why Was Virgin America Established? |url=https://simpleflying.com/virgin-america-early-history/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Simple Flying |language=en}}</ref> {{as of|2023|12}}, a total of 6,171 A321neo aircraft had been ordered by 85 disclosed customers, of which 1,248 aircraft had been delivered.<ref name="Airbus_O_D"/> 

== Development ==
The A321neo's development was announced by Airbus in 2010, 16 years after the introduction of the original [[Engineering:Airbus A321|A321ceo]]. The A321neo is the second generation of Airbus's A321 family, with the first generation being the previously mentioned A321ceo. The timeline from development to first flight took 6 years, relatively short due to its nature as an improvement, as opposed to a clean-sheet designed aircraft. 
[[File:Airbus A321neo (35121126000).jpg|thumb|Prototype Airbus A321neo]]
The maiden flight of the Airbus A321neo took place in Hamburg, with the aircraft registering in German identification. The prototype was equipped with [[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM International LEAP]] 1A engines, the aircraft, registered D-AVXB, was flown by Test Pilots Martin Scheuermann and Bernardo Saez Benito Hernandez. The flight lasted 29 minutes, & performed various tests during that time. [[Company:AerCap|AerCap]] was the first customer to order the aircraft on 27 April 2011, with IndiGo being the first commercial airline customer to order the aircraft, on 22 June 2011, ordering 304 A321neo. The first A321neo entered commercial service with Virgin America in May 2017, who merged with Alaska Airlines in 2018, the latter also acquired all of Virgin's aircraft.  
Like the A321ceo, the final production of the aircraft takes place in Hamburg, Germany. With Airbus being a multinational company, parts of the aircraft came from different countries throughout Europe & America. One of the most notable are the A321neo's engine, with options for either CFM International's LEAP 1A, which is a joint venture between American General Electric Aerospace & French Safran Aircraft Engines, & American Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1100G-JM. The A321neo has the same overall length as the A321ceo, with an increased fuel efficiency & performance rating. The A321neo has a range of {{convert|3995|nmi|km}}, with an [[Engineering:Maximum takeoff weight|MTOW]] (maximum take-off weight) of 97 tons (97 000&nbsp;kg/213 848&nbsp;lb), & its engine has 24,500–35,000&nbsp;lbf (109–156&nbsp;kN) of [[Thrust|thrust]].

It received its type certification with Pratt & Whitney engines on 15 December 2016, and simultaneous EASA and FAA certification for the CFM LEAP powered variant on 1 March 2017. The first A321neo, leased by GECAS, was delivered in Hamburg to Virgin America, configured with 184 seats and LEAP engines, and entered service on 31 May 2017.

=== Delivery delays ===
[[File:Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A321-271N (A321neo) N202HA at New York-JFK Airport.jpg|thumb|Hawaiian Airlines' A321neos were delivered late.]]

As Pratt & Whitney encountered early reliability issues with the PW1100G, retrofitting fixes affected the deliveries.<!--<ref name=AvWeek9Aug2017/>-->
Cebu Pacific was due to add its first three A321neos to its 40 A320ceos by the end of 2017 but agreed to postpone them; it was to receive seven A321ceos in 2018, starting in March, to upgauge A320 routes from slot-constrained Manila Airport and redeploy some of its international A330s to shorter-haul routes.<!--<ref name=AvWeek9Aug2017/>-->
Air New Zealand has at least seven A321neos in its 13 A320-family orders, increasing seating capacity by 27% over A320ceos currently used on short-haul international routes, mainly to {{wipe|Australia}}; the neos will be delayed until July 2018 for the A320neos and September 2018 for the A321neos with a new, higher density and some A320ceo leases will be extended for the interim.<ref name=AvWeek9Aug2017/>

Hawaiian's first two A321neos were to have been delivered in 2017 before its upcoming winter peak season but were postponed to early 2018, a "frustrating" and "irritating" delay, with another nine in 2018, mostly in the first half.<!--<ref name=AvWeek9Aug2017/>--> They are intended to open up thinner routes to the U.S. mainland not viable with its [[Engineering:Wide-body aircraft|widebodies]], such as Portland to Maui, or better matched and allowing two routes to be expanded to daily service instead of seasonal, bypassing its Honolulu hub for half of the A321neo fleet.<ref name=AvWeek9Aug2017>{{cite news |url= https://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-a321neo-delays-complicate-airline-fleet-strategies |title= Airbus A321neo Delays Complicate Airline Fleet Strategies |date= 9 Aug 2017 |author= Adrian Schofield |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology |access-date= 7 June 2018 |archive-date= 12 August 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170812230330/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-a321neo-delays-complicate-airline-fleet-strategies |url-status= live }}</ref>

Well suited for {{cvt|2,100|-|2,300|nmi}} routes to the US west coast, Hawaiian's 189-seat A321neos are more efficient than the competing narrow-body aircraft and even have slightly lower per-seat costs than its 294-seat A330-200s.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hawaiian-predicts-big-unit-cost-advantage-from-a321n-445310/ |title= Hawaiian predicts big unit cost advantage from A321neos |date= 30 Jan 2018 |author= Jon Hemmerdinger |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 30 January 2018 |archive-date= 30 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180130181621/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hawaiian-predicts-big-unit-cost-advantage-from-a321n-445310/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

== Design ==
[[File:Airbus A321 Blended Wingtip.jpg|thumb|A321neo Blended Wingtips]]
The A321neo is a narrow-body (single aisle) aircraft with a retractable tricycle landing gear, powered by two wing pylon-mounted turbofan engines. It is a low-wing [[Engineering:Cantilever|cantilever]] [[Engineering:Monoplane|monoplane]] with a conventional tail unit having a single vertical stabiliser & rudder. Changes from the A321ceo includes a new engine and extended fuselage fuel tanks. Improvements from the A320neo included increased wing loading and structural strengthening, most notably of all a stretched fuselage. The A321neo looks near-identical to the A321ceo, except for the sharklets installed on the wings. The A321ceo has double-sided short sharklets, compared to the single-sided blended wingtips on the neo. Otherwise, the A321neo does not have any distinct features from the A321ceo.

=== Cabin Flex ===

By permanently replacing the second door pair in front of the wing (R2/L2) with a new second pair of overwing exits, the capacity of the A321neo is increased from 220 seats to 240 seats and fuel efficiency per seat is increased by 6%, exceeding 20% together with the new engines and the sharklets.<ref name=AW140612>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-sees-a321neo-exceeding-20-fuel-burn-improvement |title= Airbus Sees A321neo Exceeding 20% Fuel Burn Improvement |work= AviationWeek |date= 12 Jun 2014 |access-date= 13 July 2014 |archive-date= 14 July 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140714152148/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-sees-a321neo-exceeding-20-fuel-burn-improvement |url-status= live }}</ref>
The modifications should weigh 100&nbsp;kg more.<ref name=a321LR >{{cite web |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo-version |title= Airbus Launches Long-Range A321neo Version |publisher= Aviation Week |date= 13 Jan 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729080844/https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo-version |archivedate= 29 July 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref><!--Jan 13, 2015-->
Initial A321neos have the A321ceo exit door configuration with four exit door pairs until the Airbus Cabin-Flex (ACF) layout can be selected.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://leehamnews.com/2015/01/18/a321neo-configurations-and-a320-production/ |title= A321neo configurations and A320 production |author= Fehrm, Bjorn |work= Leeham News |date= 18 January 2015 |access-date= 15 June 2017 |archive-date= 14 July 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170714090622/https://leehamnews.com/2015/01/18/a321neo-configurations-and-a320-production/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

The third door pair (R3/L3), aft of the wings, is moved aft four frames back and could be plugged for 195 seats or less, and one overwing exit can be plugged for 165 seats or less.<ref name=RGN>{{cite news |url= https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2016/08/18/airbus-explains-how-cabin-flex-enables-dense-a321neo-layouts/ |title= Airbus explains how Cabin-Flex enables dense A321neo layouts |author= Walton, John |work= Runway Girl Network |date= 18 August 2016 |access-date= 15 June 2017 |archive-date= 19 August 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160819190025/https://www.runwaygirlnetwork.com/2016/08/18/airbus-explains-how-cabin-flex-enables-dense-a321neo-layouts/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
In October 2017, the first A321neo ACF was in final assembly in Hamburg.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-first-a321neo-with-revised-door-layout-ass-442476/ |title= First A321neo with revised door layout assembled |date= 24 Oct 2017 |author= Max Kingsley-Jones |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 24 October 2017 |archive-date= 25 October 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171025074208/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-first-a321neo-with-revised-door-layout-ass-442476/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
It was rolled out on 5 January 2018, and will be ground tested before first flight in the following weeks.<!--<ref name=Airbus5jan2018>-->
It was to be delivered in mid-2018 and the optional layout will become the A321neo default from 2020.<ref name=Airbus5jan2018>{{cite press release |url= http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/01/airbus-rolls-out-first-a321neo-acf.html |date= 5 January 2018 |title= Airbus rolls out first A321neo ACF |publisher= Airbus |access-date= 5 January 2018 |archive-date= 6 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180106070024/http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/01/airbus-rolls-out-first-a321neo-acf.html |url-status= live }}</ref>
It made its first flight on 31 January 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321lr-departs-on-maiden-flight-445365/ |title= A321LR departs on maiden flight |date= 31 Jan 2018 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 31 January 2018 |archive-date= 1 February 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180201020102/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321lr-departs-on-maiden-flight-445365/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

The ACF exit limit is 250 passengers, but the aircraft is available for up to 240 passengers; it could be offered for 244 or potentially beyond by integrating flight attendant seats in the lavatories outside wall to allow additional passenger seats.<ref name="AvWeek31jan2018">{{cite news|url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-studying-higher-capacity-a321neo|title=Airbus Studying Higher-Capacity A321neo|last=Flottau|first=Jens|date=31 Jan 2018|work=Aviation Week Network|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202012746/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-studying-higher-capacity-a321neo|url-status=live}}</ref>
The EASA allows 244 passengers with "overperforming" Type C [[Engineering:Emergency exit#Aircraft|exits]] at both ends, two Type III overwing exits, a Type C mid-cabin exit and a separate approval for individual customised [[Aircraft seat map|cabin layouts]].<!--<ref name=Flight10may2018>-->
The FAA would limit it to 200 as the mid-cabin exit would be derated to a Type III exit: 65 each for Type C doors at the ends plus 70 for all the Type III exits; Airbus seeks an exemption to increase it to 105 for 235 passengers for the aircraft.<ref name=Flight10may2018>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321neo-seeks-us-rule-relief-as-seat-count-lifts-to-448491/ |title= A321neo seeks US rule relief as seat-count lifts to 244 |date= 10 May 2018 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 11 May 2018 |archive-date= 11 May 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180511215735/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321neo-seeks-us-rule-relief-as-seat-count-lifts-to-448491/ |url-status= live }}</ref> Four different door-arrangement configurations are noted below.

<gallery widths="200" heights="150" mode="packed">
File:F-HBUZ ORY (48666458428).jpg|This La Compagnie A321neo has both 2 of the 4 overwing exits and doors R3/L3 plugged (seating: 76, maximum: 165).
File:STARLUX Airlines Airbus A321-252NX B-58201 (49058096997).jpg|This Starlux Airlines A321neo has doors R3/L3 plugged and replaced with windows (seating: 188, maximum: 195).<ref name="RGN" />
File:British Airways, G-NEOU, Airbus A321-251NX (49585196283).jpg|This British Airways A321neo has doors R3/L3 enabled, but 2 of the 4 overwing exits plugged (seating/maximum: 220).
File:JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-271NX N2016J at JFK Airport.jpg|This JetBlue A321neo has all 10 available exits in Cabin Flex enabled (seating: 200, maximum: 244).<ref name="RGN" /> EasyJet and Wizz Air also carry the same door-arrangement configuration for their A321neo fleets.
</gallery>

== Variants ==

=== A321neo ===
[[File:N923VA Virgin America Airbus A321-253N s-n 7861 "3-2-1 liftoff" (39621889171).jpg|thumb|Virgin America received the first A321neo and put it into service in May 2017.]]

The A321neo has the same length as the original A321ceo but includes [[Engineering:Structural engineering#Aerospace structures|structural strengthening]] in the landing gear and [[Physics:Wing|wing]], increased [[Physics:Wing loading|wing loading]] and other minor modifications due to higher Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW).

Its first customer was ILFC.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/ilfc-selects-100-a320neo-family-aircraft/ |title= ILFC selects 100 A320neo Family aircraft |date= 8 March 2011 |publisher= Airbus |access-date= 30 December 2011 |archive-date= 27 February 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170227022419/http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/ilfc-selects-100-a320neo-family-aircraft/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
The Airbus A321neo prototype, D-AVXB, first flew on 9 February 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-a321neo-idUSKCN0VI1R2 |title= Airbus A321neo completes first flight after engine switch. |publisher= Reuters |date= 9 February 2016 |access-date= 30 June 2017 |archive-date= 23 October 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181023133919/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-a321neo-idUSKCN0VI1R2 |url-status= live }}</ref>
It suffered a tailstrike three days later and was flown to Toulouse for repairs, delaying the certification programme for several weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://avherald.com/h?article=4940b177 |title= Accident: Airbus A321 at Perpignan on Feb 12th 2016, tail strike on landing |publisher= The Aviation Herald |date= 12 February 2016 |access-date= 18 February 2016 |archive-date= 26 May 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190526151801/http://avherald.com/h?article=4940b177 |url-status= live }}</ref>

It received its type certification with Pratt & Whitney engines on 15 December 2016,<ref>{{cite press release |title= Airbus A321neo with P&W engines receives Type Certification |url= http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-a321neo-with-pw-engines-receives-type-certification/ |publisher= Airbus |date= 15 December 2015 |access-date= 15 December 2016 |archive-date= 11 January 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170111045726/http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-a321neo-with-pw-engines-receives-type-certification/ |url-status= live }}</ref> and simultaneous EASA and FAA certification for the CFM LEAP powered variant on 1 March 2017.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/a321neo-powered-by-cfm-leap-1a-engines-receives-type-certification/ |title= A321neo powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines receives type certification |publisher= Airbus |date= 1 March 2017 |access-date= 2 March 2017 |archive-date= 3 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170303125555/http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/a321neo-powered-by-cfm-leap-1a-engines-receives-type-certification/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
The first A321neo, leased by GECAS, was delivered in Hamburg to Virgin America, configured with 184 seats and LEAP engines, and entered service in May 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://atwonline.com/airframes/virgin-america-receives-first-a321neo-alaska-mulls-future-fleet |title= Virgin America receives first A321neo as Alaska mulls future fleet |date= 20 Apr 2017 |author= Aaron Karp |work= Air Transport World |publisher= Aviation Week |access-date= 20 April 2017 |archive-date= 28 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180928074921/http://atwonline.com/airframes/virgin-america-receives-first-a321neo-alaska-mulls-future-fleet |url-status= live }}</ref>

The neo empty weight is 1.8t more than the ceo due to new engines and associated airframe modifications: engine pylons, wing structure and bleed and oil systems were adapted.<!--<ref name=AvWeek26May2017/>-->
At the same maximum weight, it reaches FL310 30-nm before and 4 min earlier than the CEO.<ref name=AvWeek26May2017>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/flying-a321neo-technology-upgrades-under-skin |title= Flying The A321neo: Technology Upgrades Under The Skin |date= 26 May 2017 |author= Tim Wuerfel |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology |access-date= 5 June 2017 |archive-date= 11 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180911202835/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/flying-a321neo-technology-upgrades-under-skin |url-status= live }}</ref>

At FL330 (10 000 m), [[International Standard Atmosphere|ISA]] {{cvt|-2|C|F}} and {{cvt|67|t|lb}}, it burns {{convert|2,200|kg/h|-1}} at Mach 0.76 / {{convert|515|mph|kph}} long-range cruise or {{cvt|2,440|kg/h}} at Mach 0.80 / {{convert|542|mph|kph}} high-speed cruise.<!--<ref name=Flight26May2017/>-->{{fact|date=October 2023}}
To offer similar takeoff performance, pitch response to stick input is a rate-command to hit the 3°/sec rotation rate to capture the right pitch attitude and there is an "electronic tail bumper" preventing a tailstrike if the stick is less than three-quarters of the way aft; additional thrust, slower rotation and lift-off speeds require more rudder authority and its maximum deflection went from 25° to 30°.<ref name=Flight26May2017>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-a321neo-stretches-its-legs-437215/ |title= Flight test: A321neo stretches its legs |date= 26 May 2017 |author= Mike Gerzanics |work= Flight Global |access-date= 5 June 2017 |archive-date= 29 December 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181229223759/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-a321neo-stretches-its-legs-437215/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

By January 2018, the A321neo had received 1,920 orders, exceeding orders for the A321ceo.<!--<ref name=Flight1feb2018>--> By this time the A321neo accounted for 32% of all A320neo family orders, whereas the original A321 represented just 22% of A320ceo family orders.<!--<ref name=Flight1feb2018>--> By July 2022, the A321neo represented over 53% of all A320neo family orders.<ref>[https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/commercial-aircraft/market/orders-and-deliveries|Airbus Orders & Deliveries]. Airbus S.A.S. 31 July 2022. Retrieved 9 August 2022.</ref>
A stretch would probably involve fore and aft plugs to keep its centre-of-gravity, but tailstrike clearance could constrain field speed and performance and a larger aircraft could need more powerful engines, while further cabin crew would be needed over 250 seats.<ref name=Flight1feb2018>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321neo-nearing-limit-for-simple-enhancement-445418/ |title= A321neo nearing limit for simple enhancement |date= 1 Feb 2018 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 1 February 2018 |archive-date= 12 June 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140641/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321neo-nearing-limit-for-simple-enhancement-445418/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 2018, an A321neo list price was US$129.5 million.<ref name="2018 price">{{cite web|title=AIRBUS AIRCRAFT 2018 AVERAGE LIST PRICES* (USD millions)|url=http://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corporate-topics/publications/backgrounders/Airbus-Commercial-Aircraft-list-prices-2018.pdf|website=airbus.com|publisher=Airbus|access-date=15 January 2018|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713142800/https://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corporate-topics/publications/backgrounders/Airbus-Commercial-Aircraft-list-prices-2018.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Stretching it by one or two rows would be needed to compete with the Boeing NMA, a concept airliner: its take-off weight could increase to {{cvt|100|t|lb}} by tweaking its wing and strengthening its landing gear, requiring more engine thrust; or it could receive a lighter and larger new wing, more costly to develop but with the same thrust.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-airplane-a321lr/airbus-a321lr-long-range-jet-completes-maiden-flight-idUSKBN1FK1H3 |date= 31 Jan 2018 |title= Airbus A321LR long-range jet completes maiden flight |work= Reuters |access-date= 2 February 2018 |archive-date= 2 February 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190220/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-airplane-a321lr/airbus-a321lr-long-range-jet-completes-maiden-flight-idUSKBN1FK1H3 |url-status= live }}</ref>

=== A321LR ===
[[File:4X-AGK Independence Day 09-05-2019b.jpg|thumb|The A321LR was introduced by Arkia on 13 November 2018.]]
In October 2014, Airbus started marketing a 164-seat, {{cvt|97|t|lb}} MTOW variant with three auxiliary [[Engineering:Aircraft fuel tanks|fuel tanks]] called the A321neoLR (Long Range) with {{cvt|100|nmi}} more operational range than a [[Engineering:Boeing 757|Boeing 757]]-200 configured with 169 seats, 27% lower trip costs and 24% lower per seat costs; it was scheduled for introduction in the second half of 2018, two years after the A321neo.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://leehamnews.com/2014/10/21/exclusive-airbus-launches-a321neolr-long-range-to-replace-757-200w/ |title= Exclusive: Airbus launches "A321neoLR" long range to replace 757-200W |work= Leeham News |date= 21 October 2014 |access-date= 25 October 2014 |archive-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101800/https://leehamnews.com/2014/10/21/exclusive-airbus-launches-a321neolr-long-range-to-replace-757-200w/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

Airbus launched the A321LR on 13&nbsp;January&nbsp;2015 with [[Company:Air Lease Corporation|Air Lease Corporation]] as the launch customer, hoping to sell 1,000 examples of the variant.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2015-01-13/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo |title= Airbus Launches Long-Range A321neo |work= Aviation International News |date= 13 January 2015 |access-date= 13 January 2015 |archive-date= 21 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210121052537/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2015-01-13/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo |url-status= live }}</ref> The initial layout of 164 seats (20 in business, 30 in premium economy and 114 in economy) was replaced by a two-class 206-seat configuration (16 in business and 190 in economy).<!--ref name=a321LR/--> Range is {{cvt|4000|nmi}}, {{cvt|500|nmi}} farther than the regular 93.5t MTOW A321neo.<ref name=a321LR/>, thus making it the first version of the A320 family to have true [[Engineering:Transatlantic flight|transatlantic]] capability, thus replacing the Boeing 757 in the [[Engineering:Middle of the market|middle of the market]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-considers-next-midmarket-moves-airbus-watches |title= Boeing Considers Next Midmarket Moves As Airbus Watches |date= 20 Feb 2017 |author= Guy Norris and Jens Flottau |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology |access-date= 2 March 2017 |archive-date= 23 February 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170223093436/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-considers-next-midmarket-moves-airbus-watches |url-status= live }}</ref> The A321LR will have the Cabin Flex layout and was to be first delivered in Q4 2018.<ref name=Airbus10nov2017>{{cite news |url= http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2017/11/quick-news---dubai-airshow-november-edition.html |title= Quick News – Dubai Airshow November Edition |date= 10 Nov 2017 |publisher= Airbus |at= Latest A321neo build standard with "Airbus Cabin-Flex", 97t MTOW option and long-range capability nears rollout |access-date= 10 November 2017 |archive-date= 11 November 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171111094754/http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2017/11/quick-news---dubai-airshow-november-edition.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

Certification was aimed for the second quarter of 2018, with a programme including tests with one, two, three, or no additional centre tanks and a transatlantic flight on 13 February.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321lr-prepares-for-paris-new-york-test-flight-445830/ |title= A321LR prepares for Paris-New York test flight |date= 12 Feb 2018 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 12 February 2018 |archive-date= 13 February 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180213021537/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321lr-prepares-for-paris-new-york-test-flight-445830/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
Test flights included a LEAP-powered, long range {{cvt|4100|nmi}} flight by great circle distance, flown in near 11&nbsp;h and the equivalent of 162 passengers over {{cvt|4,700|nmi}} including headwinds, with five crew and 11 technicians.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321lr-conducts-longest-flight-on-route-from-seychel-447220/ |title= A321LR conducts longest flight on route from Seychelles |date= 30 March 2018 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 30 March 2018 |archive-date= 30 March 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180330211702/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321lr-conducts-longest-flight-on-route-from-seychel-447220/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

Airbus announced its joint FAA/EASA certification on 2 October 2018, including ETOPS up to 180 min, allowing any transatlantic route.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/10/easa-and-faa-certify-long-range-capability-for-a321neo-.html |date= 2 October 2018 |title= EASA and FAA certify long-range capability for A321neo |publisher= Airbus |access-date= 3 October 2018 |archive-date= 3 October 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181003141616/https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/10/easa-and-faa-certify-long-range-capability-for-a321neo-.html |url-status= live }}</ref>
As original launch operator Primera Air ceased operations, the first was delivered to Israeli carrier Arkia, while 120 orders have been secured from about 12 operators: Norwegian, TAP Air Portugal, Air Transat, Aer Lingus, Air Astana, Air Arabia and Azores Airlines will receive theirs from 2019, and Jetstar and Peach in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/arkia-to-replace-primera-as-a321lr-launch-operator-452469/ |title= Arkia to replace Primera as A321LR launch operator |date= 5 Oct 2018 |author= David Kaminski Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 6 October 2018 |archive-date= 6 October 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181006114639/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/arkia-to-replace-primera-as-a321lr-launch-operator-452469/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
On 13 November 2018, Arkia received the first A321LR, featuring 220 seats in a single-class and to be deployed to [[Place:London|London]], Paris, Barcelona for up to 5h sectors, or to Zanzibar and the Seychelles, saying it is the first narrow-body more efficient than the 757-300 it operates.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/arkia-chief-a321lr-first-single-aisle-to-beat-757-3-453591/ |title= Arkia chief: A321LR first single-aisle to beat 757-300 economics |date= 13 November 2018 |author= David Kaminski Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 13 November 2018 |archive-date= 14 November 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181114010942/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/arkia-chief-a321lr-first-single-aisle-to-beat-757-3-453591/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

In April 2019, JetBlue announced its intention to use the A321LR on routes to London from Boston and {{wipe|New York City}}; the airline has converted 13 of its orders for the A321neo to the A321LR to serve these routes. The airline started its service from New York-JFK to London Heathrow on 11 August 2021, and to London Gatwick on 29 September.

=== A321XLR ===
[[File:Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport Airbus Industrie Airbus A321-251NY F-WXLR (DSC05146).jpg|thumb|An A321XLR prototype taxiing at Airbus Hamburg-Finkenwerder]]
<!--before launch-->
In January 2018, Airbus stated that it was studying an A321LR variant with a further increased MTOW needing a strengthened landing gear.<!--<ref name=AvWeek31jan2018>--> With a lower-density cabin it was expected to fly almost {{cvt|5,000|nmi}}<ref name=AvWeek31jan2018/>
It would cover more of the market segment likely to be targeted by the Boeing New Midsize Airplane.<!--<ref name=AvWeek20jul2018>--> The proposed A321XLR with a range extended to {{cvt|4,500|nmi}} would be launched in 2019 to enter service in 2021 or 2022.<!--<ref name=AvWeek20jul2018>--> Integrated in the fuselage to save weight, the centre fuel tank would be enlarged.<!--<ref name=AvWeek20jul2018>--> {{as of|2018|07}}, about {{cvt|200–300|nmi}} of the targeted range increase had already been secured; additional work would be needed to achieve the remaining {{cvt|200|nmi}}.<ref name="AvWeek20jul2018">{{cite news|url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-moves-ahead-a321xlr-definition|title=Airbus Moves Ahead With A321XLR Definition|last1=Flottau|first1=Jens|date=20 July 2018|work=Aviation Week & Space Technology|last2=Norris|first2=Guy|archive-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723162353/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-moves-ahead-a321xlr-definition|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2018, the A321XLR was proposed to Air Transat and [[Company:AerCap|AerCap]]: Air Transat could reach Southern European destinations such as Split, Croatia from {{wipe|Montreal}} and Toronto.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://airlinerwatch.com/air-transat-considers-airbus-a321xlr-for-longer-routes/ |title= Air Transat considers Airbus A321XLR for longer routes |work= Airlinerwatch |date= 12 Oct 2018  |archive-date= 6 March 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200306162449/https://airlinerwatch.com/air-transat-considers-airbus-a321xlr-for-longer-routes/ |url-status= live }}</ref> In November, Airbus indicated that the A321XLR would have a MTOW of over {{cvt|100|t|lb|abbr=}} and {{cvt|700|nmi}} more range than the A321LR with the same wing and engines, increased fuel capacity and strengthened landing gear.<ref>{{cite news |title=Airbus indicates A321XLR would have over 100t MTOW |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-indicates-a321xlr-would-have-over-100t-mtow-453590/ |work=Flightglobal |date=13 November 2018 |archive-date=29 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129141049/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-indicates-a321xlr-would-have-over-100t-mtow-453590/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2019, Air Canada expressed interest in using narrow-body aircraft for transatlantic routes and was considering options including the A321XLR and the [[Engineering:Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-canada-aircanada/air-canada-would-study-airbus-boeing-for-transatlantic-narrowbody-needs-idUSKCN1P82FT|title=Air Canada would study Airbus, Boeing for transatlantic narrowbody needs|last=Hepher|first=Tim|date=14 January 2019|work=Reuters|archive-date=31 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131201556/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-canada-aircanada/air-canada-would-study-airbus-boeing-for-transatlantic-narrowbody-needs-idUSKCN1P82FT|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Commercial launch ====
The A321XLR was officially launched at the Paris Air Show on 17 June 2019, with deliveries at that time expected from 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayward |first=Justin |date=2019-12-27 |title=The Airbus A321XLR Was 2019's Aviation Gamechanger |url=https://simpleflying.com/airbus-a321xlr-2019-gamechanger/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Simple Flying |language=en}}</ref> Its design offers {{cvt|4700|nmi}} of range and features a new permanent Rear Centre Tank (RCT) for more fuel, strengthened landing gear for a {{cvt|101|t|lb}} MTOW, and an optimised wing trailing-edge flap to preserve take-off performance.<ref name=Airbus17jun2019>{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/06/airbus-launches-longest-range-singleaisle-airliner-the-a321xlr.html |title= Airbus launches longest range single-aisle airliner: the A321XLR |date= 17 June 2019 |publisher= Airbus |archive-date= 26 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210226070750/https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/06/airbus-launches-longest-range-singleaisle-airliner-the-a321xlr.html |url-status= live }}</ref> The RCT will hold {{cvt|12,900|L|USgal}} of fuel, the equivalent of four {{cvt|3,121|L|USgal}} current Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs), yet has a weight equivalent to a single ACT and takes up the cargo hold space of two; a forward ACT can also be fitted if necessary.<ref name=Flight17jun2019>{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=PARIS: Airbus details design changes of A321XLR |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-airbus-details-design-changes-of-a321xlr-458999/ |work=Flightglobal |date=17 June 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527091155/https://www.flightglobal.com/programmes/paris-airbus-details-design-changes-of-a321xlr/133136.article |url-status=live }}</ref>
As the [[Physics:Wingtip device#Blended winglets|sharklet]]s lowered take-off and landing speeds, the switch from a double-[[Engineering:Flap (aeronautics)#Slotted flap|slotted]] to single-slotted inboard flap will reduce complexity, weight and drag. The [[Engineering:Flight management system|FMS]] can set intermediate flap positions. The revised design could be applied to other A321neo variants.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-how-airbus-is-redesigning-the-a321xlr-hig-459156/ |title= How Airbus is redesigning the A321XLR high-lift system |date= 19 June 2019 |author= Max Kingsley Jones |work= Flightglobal  |archive-date= 20 June 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190620161854/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-how-airbus-is-redesigning-the-a321xlr-hig-459156/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

Orders from several lessors and airlines were announced at the show, starting with Middle East Airlines, which ordered four A321XLRs, making it the launch airline customer.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/06/middle-east-airlines-orders-four-airbus-a321xlrs.html|title=Middle East Airlines orders four Airbus A321XLRs|date=17 June 2019|publisher=Airbus|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112024326/https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/06/middle-east-airlines-orders-four-airbus-a321xlrs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Air Lease Corporation ordered twenty-seven A321XLRs alongside twenty-three other A321neos and fifty A220-300s.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/06/air-lease-corporation-to-order-100-aircraft-including-the-new-a321xlr.html |title= Air Lease Corporation to order 100 aircraft, including the new A321XLR |date= 17 June 2019 |publisher= Airbus  |archive-date= 27 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210527091224/https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/06/air-lease-corporation-to-order-100-aircraft-including-the-new-a321xlr.html |url-status= live }}</ref> IAG quoted a $142 million list price as it committed to 28 aircraft, including eight for Iberia, six for Aer Lingus, plus 14 options.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-iberia-and-aer-lingus-opt-for-a321xlrs-459108/|title=Iberia and Aer Lingus opt for A321XLRs|last=Kaminski-Morrow|first=David|date=18 June 2019|work=Flightglobal|archive-date=18 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618132432/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-iberia-and-aer-lingus-opt-for-a321xlrs-459108/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Company:Qantas|Qantas Group]] placed an order for 36 XLRs, to be operated on routes between Australia and [[Earth:Asia|Asia]], and is also set to be one of the launch customers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-adds-airbus-a321xlr-to-its-fleet|title=Qantas adds Airbus A321XLR to its fleet|website=Australian Business Traveller|date=19 June 2019|archive-date=19 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619051452/https://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-adds-airbus-a321xlr-to-its-fleet|url-status=live}}</ref> American Airlines converted 30 A321neo orders to XLRs and ordered an additional 20 XLRs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-airshow-airbus-american-airlin/american-airlines-confirms-order-for-50-airbus-a321xlr-planes-idUSKCN1TK1IJ|title=American Airlines confirms order for 50 Airbus A321XLR planes|website=Reuters|date=19 June 2019|archive-date=21 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621114432/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-airshow-airbus-american-airlin/american-airlines-confirms-order-for-50-airbus-a321xlr-planes-idUSKCN1TK1IJ|url-status=live}}</ref> Indigo Partners also placed an order for 50 XLRs for its airline divisions and Frontier Airlines ordered 18, bringing the total number of commitments announced at the show to 243.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kingsley-Jones |first1=Max |title=Airbus ends show with over 240 A321XLR commitments |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-airbus-ends-show-with-over-240-a321xlr-commi-459255/ |work=Flightglobal.com |date=21 June 2019 |archive-date=22 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622145034/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-airbus-ends-show-with-over-240-a321xlr-commi-459255/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Some are cautious about the potential market: Lufthansa sees the variant as a "niche aircraft" less comfortable than widebodies,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-28 |title=Airbus Wants to Change the Way We Fly Long Haul |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/airbus-a321xlr-could-change-the-way-we-fly-long-haul |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Condé Nast Traveler |language=en-US}}</ref> and a large lessor is hesitant as it expects a 400–500 aircraft market.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lessors cautiously optimistic on A321XLR |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lessors-cautiously-optimistic-a321xlr-miran-bastajian |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref>
Airbus argues that the minimal changes mean it can be used as a regular A321neo{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}} and ALC forecast potential for 50 operators in the next five years.{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}
The market could prefer shorter turnaround times to more range.<ref name=AvWeek27jun2019/>

<!--late 2019-->
On 29 October 2019, IndiGo placed a firm order for 300 A320neo Family aircraft including 69 A321XLR.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India's IndiGo eyes Amsterdam with A321neo(XLR)s |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/131685-indias-indigo-eyes-amsterdam-with-a321neoxlrs |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=ch-aviation |language=en}}</ref>
On 3 December 2019, United Airlines announced an order to purchase 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2024, to replace their Boeing 757–200 fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2023 |title=United Airlines orders 50 Airbus A321XLRs for transatlantic route expansion |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-12-united-airlines-orders-50-airbus-a321xlrs-for-transatlantic-route |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=www.airbus.com}}</ref><!--ref name=bloomberg3dec2019--> Valued at $7.1 billion before discounts (${{#expr:7100/50}}M each), United plans to use these aircraft for additional destinations in Europe from its East Coast hubs in Washington and Newark, New Jersey.<ref name=bloomberg3dec2019>{{cite news |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-03/united-nears-7-billion-order-for-longest-range-airbus-a321-jet |title= United Places $7 Billion Order for Longest-Range Airbus A321 Jet |author1= Justin Bachman |author2= Siddharth Vikram Philip |author3= Julie Johnsson |date= 3 December 2019 |agency= Bloomberg |archive-date= 4 December 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191204013026/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-03/united-nears-7-billion-order-for-longest-range-airbus-a321-jet |url-status= live }}</ref>
In April 2020, 450 orders for the XLR had been received from 24 customers.<ref name=Flight21apr2020/> In March 2023, 465 orders for the A321XLR were received.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airbus warns of A321neo(XLR) delivery delays – report |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/125115-airbus-warns-of-a321neoxlr-delivery-delays-report |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=ch-aviation |language=en}}</ref> In July 2023 Icelandair ordered 13 XLR.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 6, 2023 |title=Icelandair orders 13 Airbus A321XLR, becoming a new Airbus customer |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-07-icelandair-orders-13-airbus-a321xlr-becoming-a-new-airbus-customer |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=www.airbus.com}}</ref>

==== Manufacturing ====
The XLR needs 10–15% more work than an ACF, itself requiring 30% more work than a standard A321neo.<!--ref name=AvWeek27jun2019-->
Engines used for now generate {{cvt|33,000|lbf|kN}} of thrust and could be sufficient, and no more than the {{cvt|35,000|lbf|kN}} already certified are needed for the XLR.<!--ref name=AvWeek27jun2019-->
The XLR is a low-risk, high-commonality variant but more substantial upgrades could include a composite wing or a stretch.<ref name=AvWeek27jun2019>{{cite news |url= https://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-may-reset-nma-sequence-airbus-launches-a321xlr |title= Boeing May Reset NMA Sequence As Airbus Launches A321XLR |date= 27 Jun 2019 |author= Jens Flottau and Michael Bruno |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology |archive-date= 27 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210527091156/https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/boeing-may-reset-nma-sequence-airbus-launches-a321xlr |url-status= live }}</ref>

<!--2020-->
By April 2020, Airbus had cut the first metal for the centre wingbox, while Safran had begun undercarriage [[Engineering:Forging|forging]]s production.<!--ref name=Flight21apr2020-->
Premium Aerotec will manufacture the specific aft centre fuel tank primary structure, Spirit AeroSystems will build the inboard single-slotted flap, FACC AG will produce a modified belly [[Engineering:Aircraft fairing|fairing]], while Collins Aerospace and Parker Aerospace are developing the fuel systems.<ref name=Flight21apr2020>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/a321xlr-metal-cut-commences-as-structures-supplier-list-firms-up/138001.article |title= A321XLR metal-cut commences as structures supplier list firms up |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |date= 21 April 2020 |work= Flightglobal |archive-date= 28 April 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200428074108/https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/a321xlr-metal-cut-commences-as-structures-supplier-list-firms-up/138001.article |url-status= live }}</ref>
By August 2020, Premium Aerotec had started producing the rear centre tank for the first A321XLR in Augsburg, to be transferred to Airbus's Hamburg plant in early 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/production-under-way-on-a321xlrs-vital-rear-centre-tank/139626.article |title= Production under way on A321XLR's vital rear centre tank |date= 4 August 2020 |work= Flightglobal  |archive-date= 6 August 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200806173306/https://www.flightglobal.com/production-under-way-on-a321xlrs-vital-rear-centre-tank/139626.article |url-status= live }}</ref>

<!--2021-->
By April 2021, a standard A321LR fuselage section had been withdrawn from the Hamburg production line for use as a "pre-industrial system accelerator" to test the integration of XLR-specific systems; at Saint-Nazaire, a nose section was serving as an integration test bed for a new instrument panel assembly, before being used to analyse structural reinforcements needed for the XLR.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Airbus shapes A321XLR systems layout with low-tech and hi-tech mock-ups |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/airbus-shapes-a321xlr-systems-layout-with-low-tech-and-hi-tech-mock-ups/143177.article |date=3 April 2021 |archive-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413100121/https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/airbus-shapes-a321xlr-systems-layout-with-low-tech-and-hi-tech-mock-ups/143177.article |url-status=live }}</ref>
By then, Airbus had completed the first centre wing box 16 months after the first metal cuts, with 200 modifications from the standard design, delivered from Nantes to Hamburg for structural assembly.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://simpleflying.com/airbus-a321xlr-first-center-wing-box/ |date= 12 Apr 2021 |title= Airbus Finishes Building Its First A321XLR Center Wing Box |work= SimpleFlying |archive-date= 13 April 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210413100120/https://simpleflying.com/airbus-a321xlr-first-center-wing-box/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
The fuselage sections, wings, landing gear and tailplanes of the first test aircraft were delivered to the Hamburg Final Assembly Line in November, and its structure was completed by early December, among three planned development aircraft, and before entry into service in 2023.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/news/2021-12-first-a321xlr-development-aircraft-undergoes-final-assembly |title= First A321XLR development aircraft undergoes final assembly |date= 6 December 2021 |publisher= Airbus}}</ref>

<!-- 2022 -->
The first A321XLR prototype was rolled out in May 2022, equipped with [[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM LEAP]] engines.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Airbus rolls out initial A321XLR in livery highlighting twinjet's range |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/programmes/airbus-rolls-out-initial-a321xlr-in-livery-highlighting-twinjets-range/148487.article |website=Flight Global }}</ref>
The first flight took place on 15 June 2022 from Hamburg.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Airbus embarks on A321XLR flight-test campaign with maiden sortie |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/airbus-embarks-on-a321xlr-flight-test-campaign-with-maiden-sortie/149012.article |work=Flight Global |date=15 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref> However, entry into service was pushed back to 2024 from the original 2023 to address fuel tank issues raised by regulators.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/airbus-pushes-back-a321xlr-service-entry-to-2024/148506.article |title= Airbus pushes back A321XLR service entry to 2024 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |date= 4 May 2022 |work= Flightglobal}}</ref> A revised design with special conditions was approved by the United States Federal Aviation Administration in December 2022.<ref>{{Cite news|title=U.S. approves conditions for Airbus A321XLR to address fire risks |date=8 December 2022 |first1=David |last1=Shepardson |first2=Tim |last2=Hepher |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-approves-conditions-airbus-a321xlr-address-fire-risks-2022-12-08/ |access-date=14 December 2022}}</ref>

== Operators ==
There are 1,248 A321neo aircraft in service with 88 operators as of December 2023. The five largest operators are Wizz Air (102), IndiGo (94), American Airlines (80), [[Company:China Southern Airlines|China Southern Airlines]] (56), and Turkish Airlines (54).<ref name="Airbus_O_D" />
{| class="wikitable"
| ||2011||2012||2013||2014||2015||2016||2017||2018||2019||2020||2021||2022||2023
|'''A321neo'''
|-
|'''Orders'''
|119||81||341||183||346||287||532||360||965||208||616||530||1562
|'''6,171'''
|-
|'''Deliveries'''
|–||–||–||–||–||–||20||102||168||178||199||264||317
|'''1,248'''
|}

== Accidents and incidents ==
{{As of|{{currentyear}}| }}, there were zero fatal hull loss accidents of the A321neo.

== Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!Variant
!A321neo<ref name="Airbus Family figures2">{{cite web |date=July 2017 |title=Airbus Family figures |url=http://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corporate-topics/publications/backgrounders/Airbus-Family-Figures-booklet.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218232456/http://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corporate-topics/publications/backgrounders/Airbus-Family-Figures-booklet.pdf |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=27 March 2019 |publisher=Airbus}}</ref>
!A321LR
!A321XLR
|-
!Cockpit crew
|colspan=3 |Two
|-
!2-class seats
|colspan=3 |206 (16{{abbr|J|business}} @ 36{{nbsp}}in + 190{{abbr|Y|economy}} @ 30{{nbsp}}in)<ref name="a321LR2">{{cite web |date=13 January 2015 |title=Airbus Launches Long-Range A321neo Version |url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo-version |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916072651/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo-version |archive-date=16 September 2018 |access-date=17 November 2016 |publisher=Aviation Week}}</ref>
|-
!1-class max.
|colspan=3 |244 @ 28{{nbsp}}in<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-07 |title=A321neo {{!}} A320 {{!}} Aircraft {{!}} Airbus Aircraft |url=https://aircraft.airbus.com/en/aircraft/a320-the-most-successful-aircraft-family-ever/a321neo |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=aircraft.airbus.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Machado |first=João |date=2022-05-09 |title=Opinion: 244 seats in an A321 is a good thing, actually |url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/05/opinion-244-seats-in-an-a321-is-a-good-thing-actually/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Aviacionline.com |language=}}</ref>
|-
!Cargo capacity
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|51.70|m3}} / 10×[[Engineering:Unit load device|LD3-45s]]{{efn|name=na|no Additional Centre Tank}}
|-
!Length
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|44.51|m|ft|0}}
|-
!Wingspan
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|35.80|m|ftin}} {{efn|with sharklets}}
|-
!Wing
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|122.4|m2|ft2}} area, 25° sweep<ref name="elsevier2">{{cite web |date=July 1999 |title=Airbus Aircraft Data File |url=http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780340741528/appendices/data-a/table-1/table.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127184436/http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780340741528/appendices/data-a/table-1/table.htm |archive-date=27 January 2017 |access-date=17 November 2016 |work=Civil Jet Aircraft Design |publisher=Elsevier}}</ref>
|-
!Height
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|11.76|m|ft}}
|-
!Fuselage
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|3.95 by 4.14|m|ft}} width × height, {{cvt|3.70|m|ft}} wide cabin
|-
![[Engineering:Maximum takeoff weight|Max. takeoff weight]]
|{{cvt|93.5|t|lb|sigfig=4}}
|{{cvt|97|t|lb|sigfig=4}}
|{{cvt|101|t|lb|sigfig=4}}
|-
!Max. [[Engineering:Payload|payload]]
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|25.5|t|lb|-2}}{{rp|3-2-1}}
|-
![[Engineering:Operating empty weight|Op. empty weight]]<!--MZFW - max payload-->
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|{{#expr:75.6-25.5}}|t|lb|-2}}
|-
![[Chemistry:Jet fuel|Fuel]] capacity
|23,490&nbsp;L (6,205&nbsp;US&nbsp;gal){{efn|name=na}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta136/files/2021-12/Airbus-tech-data-AC-A321-Dec2021.pdf |title= A321 aircraft characteristics – airport and maintenance planning |publisher= Airbus |date= Dec 2021 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211210145733/https://www.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta136/files/2021-12/Airbus-tech-data-AC-A321-Dec2021.pdf |archive-date= 10 December 2021 |df= dmy-all }}</ref>
|32,853 L (8,679 US gal){{efn|A321LR with 3 Additional Centre Tanks}}
|{{cvt|45753-48874|L|USgal}}{{efn|With Rear Centre Tank (RCT) + optional forward {{abbr|ACT|Additional Centre Tank}}<ref name=Flight17jun2019>{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=PARIS: Airbus details design changes of A321XLR |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-airbus-details-design-changes-of-a321xlr-458999/ |work=Flightglobal |date=17 June 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527091155/https://www.flightglobal.com/programmes/paris-airbus-details-design-changes-of-a321xlr/133136.article |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
|-
!Engines (×2)
|colspan=3 |[[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM LEAP]]-1A, {{convert|78|in|m|abbr=on}} fan<br>Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM, {{convert|81|in|m|abbr=on}} fan
|-
!Max. [[Thrust]] (×2)<ref name="typecert2">{{cite web |date=22 February 2019 |title=Type Certificate Data Sheet |url=https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/TCDS_EASA%20A%20064_%20Airbus_%20A318_A319_A320_A321_Iss_38.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043250/https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/TCDS_EASA%20A%20064_%20Airbus_%20A318_A319_A320_A321_Iss_38.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=27 March 2019 |publisher=EASA}}</ref>
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|143.05|-|147.28|kN}}
|-
!Speed
|colspan=3 |Cruise: {{cvt|0.78|Mach|knots km/h mph|0|altitude_ft=35,000}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Airbus A320neo Technology |url=http://www.airbus.com/aircraftfamilies/passengeraircraft/a320family/technology-and-innovation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403132507/http://www.airbus.com/aircraftfamilies/passengeraircraft/a320family/technology-and-innovation/ |archive-date=3 April 2016 |publisher=[[Company:Airbus|Airbus]]}}</ref><br>Max.: {{cvt|0.82|Mach|knots km/h mph|0|altitude_ft=35,000}}<ref name="typecert2" />
|-
![[Astronomy:Ceiling (aeronautics)|Ceiling]]
|colspan=3 |{{cvt|39100|-|39800|ft}}<ref name="typecert2" />
|-
!Typical range
|{{cvt|3,500|nmi|sigfig=3}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aircraft.airbus.com/en/aircraft/a320/a321xlr |publisher= Airbus |title= Airbus A321XLR |date= 12 May 2022 |access-date= 12 July 2023 }}</ref>
|{{cvt|4,000|nmi|sigfig=3}}{{efn|with 206 passengers}}
|{{cvt|4,700|nmi|sigfig=3}}
|}

=== Engines ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! Aircraft model !! Certification date !! Engines<ref name="typecert2" /> !! Take-Off Thrust !! Max. Continuous
|-
| A321-271N || 15 December 2016 || PW 1133G-JM || {{convert|147.28|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|145.81|kN|abbr=on|}}
|-
| A321-251N || 1 March 2017 || [[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM LEAP-1A32]] || {{convert|143.05|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|140.96|kN|abbr=on|}}
|-
| A321-253N || 3 March 2017 || [[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM LEAP-1A33]] || {{convert|143.05|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|140.96|kN|abbr=on|}}
|-
| A321-272N || 23 May 2017 || PW 1130G-JM || {{convert|147.28|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|145.81|kN|abbr=on|}}
|-
| A321-252N || 18 December 2017 || [[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM LEAP-1A30]] || {{convert|143.05|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|140.96|kN|abbr=on|}}
|-
| A321-251NX || 22 March 2018 || [[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM LEAP-1A32]] || {{convert|143.05|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|140.96|kN|abbr=on|}}
|-
| A321-252NX || 22 March 2018 || [[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM LEAP-1A30]] || {{convert|143.05|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|140.96|kN|abbr=on|}}
|-
| A321-253NX || 22 March 2018 || [[Engineering:CFM International LEAP|CFM LEAP-1A33]] || {{convert|143.05|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|140.96|kN|abbr=on|}}
|-
| A321-271NX || 22 March 2018 || PW 1133G-JM || {{convert|147.28|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|145.81|kN|abbr=on|}}
|-
| A321-272NX || 22 March 2018 || PW 1130G-JM || {{convert|147.28|kN|abbr=on|}} || {{convert|145.81|kN|abbr=on|}}
|}

=== Notes ===
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

== See also ==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Engineering:Airbus A320neo family|Airbus A320neo family]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Engineering:Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX]]
* [[Engineering:Irkut MC-21|Irkut MC-21]]
* [[Engineering:Tupolev Tu-204|Tupolev Tu-204]]
|lists=
* List of Airbus A320 operators
* [[Engineering:List of jet airliners|List of jet airliners]]
}}

== References ==
<references />

{{Airbus aircraft}}

[[Category:Airbus aircraft|A321neo]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]

{{Sourceattribution|Airbus A321neo}}