Air India converts 15 Airbus A321neo orders to latest generation A321XLR
Air India has announced the conversion of 15 Airbus A321neo orders into the latest‑generation A321XLR (Extra Long Range), strengthening its narrowbody fleet with aircraft capable of flying much longer routes. Original Order: Part of Air India’s massive 470‑aircraft order placed in 2023 (250 Airbus + 220 Boeing). Conversion: 15 A321neo units switched to A321XLR, Airbus’ newest long‑range narrowbody. Capacity & Range: - Seats: ~206–244 depending on configuration. - Range: Up to 8,700 km (4,700 nm), nearly double the standard A321neo. Delivery Timeline: Expected from 2025 onwards, aligning with Airbus’ production schedule. Why This Matters - Network Expansion: Air India can now serve secondary European cities (e.g., Rome, Vienna, Prague) and Far East destinations directly from India without deploying larger widebodies. - Fleet Flexibility: Balances widebody 787s/777s with narrowbody long‑range aircraft, optimizing route economics. - Competitive Edge: Positions Air India against IndiGo (which is focused on A321neo for regional routes) by offering long‑haul connectivity with smaller aircraft.
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