The future of air travel has arrived! Wizz Air, Europe’s most environmentally sustainable airline, is thrilled to announce the delivery of its first-ever Airbus A321XLR, marking a historic milestone for the airline as the world’s first Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) to offer extended range intercontinental flying with the new aircraft. This cutting-edge aircraft, the latest evolution in Airbus’ A320neo family, extends the range of single-aisle jets to an unprecedented level, allowing Wizz Air to offer low fares, enhanced comfort, and ultra-efficient operations on routes of over six hours — all while leading the industry in reducing emissions per passenger.
With its extra-long range (XLR) capability, the A321XLR expands horizons for Wizz Air passengers, offering non-stop flights to exciting new destinations that were previously only accessible with wide-body aircraft operated by high fare long-haul operators. This means more direct routes with more seats, no business class and even lower fares — all without compromising on comfort.
What passengers can expect: Spacious, modern cabins with the well-known Wizz Air comfort, More direct routes, eliminating frustrating connections and reducing total travel time, Lower fares while putting our customer’s first, every flight, Significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to wide body aircraft operated on the same routes.
Speaking at the launch event at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Hamburg, Wizz Air’s Chief Corporate Officer, Owain Jones, said: Aligning with our recently announced Customer First transformation, the arrival of our first A321XLR is a defining moment for Wizz Air and our valued customers. This aircraft is one of the great results of our two decades long successful cooperation with our key partner, Airbus, that brings a revolution to air travel, enabling us to offer non-stop intercontinental routes at unbeatable prices while maintaining our commitment to efficiency and flying with lower emissions. Our customers will enjoy state-of-the-art cabin features, a quieter flight, and the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class. This is not only a commitment to innovation and excellence but it also sets a new standard in the aviation industry. The future of travel is here, and we’re just beginning to revolutionise a new era of travel.
Customer First Commitment - Innovation at our Core to Elevate our Customer Journey. Part of the airline’s recently announced Customer First Compass initiative, the addition of the Airbus A321XLR to the airline’s fleet is a strategic investment which will unlock competitive benefits for the airline, setting it apart from its ULCC competition, bringing a brand new, exciting and more environmentally sustainable product to the market. The airline remains committed to next-level travel, with over 300 new aircraft on order. The airline is dedicated to operating one of the youngest, safest, and most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry. Expanding its reach across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Wizz Air is focused on providing passengers with low-fare intercontinental travel to exciting new destinations with the Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Embracing a 100% digital-first mindset, Wizz Air ensures that customers' journeys are seamless from booking to boarding.
Benoît de Saint Exupéry, Chief Commercial Officer of Airbus said: The introduction of the A321XLR into the Wizz Air fleet is a momentous occasion. Wizz Air becomes the first operator for the A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. This latest generation aircraft will deliver Wizz Air outstanding economic benefits thanks to its range capability - the longest ever of a single aisle aircraft - and its increased payload. As Wizz Air continues its remarkable growth, Airbus remains by its side, supporting the airline's expansions with the latest generation aircraft taking its customers to untapped destinations. Flying Towards Less Emissions with New Engine Technology. The Airbus A321XLR delivers an impressive 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft, making it an important element of Wizz Air’s ongoing decarbonisation strategy. Equipped with the latest aerodynamic enhancements, Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, and state-of-the-art cabin technology, this aircraft ensures a quieter, smoother, and more enjoyable journey for all customers and drives aircraft utilization to even greater heights allowing for the lowest possible fares. Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney said: This delivery underscores the benefits the GTF engine offers with its world-class fuel efficiency and operating economics.
As part of Wizz Air’s ambitions to continuously drive innovation and reduce its environmental impact, the airline has selected Gen Phoenix’s Essence seat material for the launch of its new XLR aircraft. Essence is a next-gen aviation product from the recycled materials innovator, specifically designed for circularity, further contributing to Wizz Air’s commitment to carbon reduction. Essence can be fully recycled at the end of its in-service life, meaning airlines that select it are able to take advantage of Gen Phoenix’s closed-loop seating material solution while eliminating a critical waste stream.
Wizz Air is one of our longest standing customers, and this new deal marks almost 15 years of working together. We’ve always been proud to partner with brands that have strong environmental agendas and Wizz Air is a leading example of an airline that takes sustainability seriously when selecting preferred materials and suppliers. Since partnering with Gen Phoenix, Wizz have saved over 16 tonnes of leather waste from landfill and significantly reduced their carbon footprint by using our recycled leather that has an over 80% lower carbon impact than traditional leather, said John Kennedy, CEO, Gen Phoenix. The addition of the A321XLR to the Wizz Air fleet underscores the airline’s commitment to innovation, affordability, and environmentally responsible growth. The six A321 XLR aircraft which Wizz Air will add to its fleet in 2025 marks the start of an exciting new chapter, as part of the Company’s Customer First transformation. The first of many A321XLRs will soon be flying to incredible new destinations, connecting more people to the world with the best combination of price, comfort, and efficiency. Welcome to the future of air travel. Welcome aboard Wizz Air’s A321XLR and stay tuned for more exciting announcements.
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