BUDAPEST- The Airbus A321XLR was scheduled to begin service in the Wizz Air (W9) network on March 31, 2025, on the London Gatwick (LGW)-Jeddah (JED) route.
However, the Hungarian airline won’t receive the aircraft until April 10, forcing them to temporarily use the A321LR instead. These interim flights will carry fewer passengers to ensure they can operate without stops.
Photo: Wizz AirAirlines Operating A321XLR
Rather than canceling the first 11 rotations on this new route, Wizz Air has opted to operate with its existing A321neo aircraft.
These flights will operate with reduced passenger loads to enable non-stop operations, particularly on the eastbound Jeddah (JED)-London (LGW) sector, which requires approximately one hour more flight time than the westbound journey, Rynek Lotniczy reported.
Airbus has successfully delivered its newest A320neo family member, the A321XLR (Extra Long Range), to several European carriers, expanding single-aisle aircraft capabilities into traditional widebody territory.
Photo: Tobias GudatIberia (IB) now deploys the aircraft between Madrid (MAD) and Boston (BOS), leveraging its improved performance characteristics for transatlantic operations.
Photo: Antonio PirroAer Lingus (EI) has integrated the A321XLR into its network, operating flights from Dublin (DUB) to Washington DC (IAD) and Toronto (YYZ), as well as London services, demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility in medium to long-haul markets.
The A321XLR represents a significant advancement in single-aisle aircraft technology, offering airlines approximately 4,700 nautical miles of range with reduced fuel consumption compared to previous generations.
This capability enables carriers to explore new routes previously unviable with narrow-body equipment while maintaining lower operating costs than traditional widebody aircraft.
First Pratt and Whitney Powered Plane
Airbus will deliver the world’s first Pratt & Whitney-powered A321XLR to Wizz Air UK (W9), establishing a significant advancement in long-range single-aisle aircraft capabilities. This milestone delivery follows the December 12, 2024, FAA certification of the PW1100G engine for the A321XLR variant.
The carrier has ordered 47 units as part of its ongoing fleet modernization program, with a second aircraft slated for delivery to Wizz Air Malta (W4).
The relationship between Wizz Air and Pratt & Whitney dates back to 2016, when the airline selected PW1100G engines for its A321neo fleet, demonstrating an early commitment to fuel-efficient powerplant technology.
The PW1100G engine has gained significant market traction for the A321XLR program, with 13 customers placing orders for 217 aircraft equipped with this powerplant option.
Photo: Owain JonesWizz Air Operational Adjustments
“Due to an unexpected delay in the delivery of our first Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which is beyond our company’s control, the route will initially be operated with an Airbus A321neo aircraft for a short period, with a small reduction in passenger capacity.
Gabriele Imperiale, Corporate Communications Manager, Wizz Air told Rynek Lotniczy
The airline’s customer service team has begun contacting affected passengers to offer alternative solutions.
Some bookings have been canceled with passengers receiving refunds to their bank accounts or credits to their accounts to minimize disruption.
Without the A321XLR’s extended range capabilities, the A321neo would ordinarily require a refueling stop at an EU airport when operating at full capacity on this route, particularly on the eastbound Jeddah (JED)-London (LGW) leg.
Photo: By tjdarmstadt – IMG_9636.jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61529963Wizz Air Network Expansion Plans
Following its delayed introduction, Wizz Air expects the A321XLR to commence regular passenger operations between Milan (MXP) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) in June 2025.
The carrier has also announced plans to launch the London Gatwick (LGW)-Medina (MED) service on August 1, further expanding its presence in the Saudi Arabian market.
These route developments highlight Wizz Air’s strategic shift toward longer-range operations, enabled by the A321XLR’s enhanced capabilities, as the airline continues its aggressive expansion beyond its traditional European market focus.
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Wizz Air Plans Direct Flights to Mumbai, India with A321XLR
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