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Airbus A321-200 vs. Airbus A321XLR

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A321-200

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A321XLR

Price (USD)
$115 Million$129 Million
First Flight
19962022
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
44 m146 ft
44 m146 ft
Wingspan
35 m117 ft
35 m117 ft
Wing Area
122 m²1,317 ft²
122 m²1,317 ft²
Fuselage Width
4 m13 ft
4 m13 ft
Height
11 m38 ft
11 m38 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
93,500 kg206,132 lbs
101,000 kg222,667 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56 / IAE V2500CFMI LEAP-1A / P&W PW1000G
Max Thrust Per Engine
142 kN32,000 lbf
151 kN34,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
284 kN64,000 lbf
302 kN68,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
30,030 l7,933 gal
39,500 l10,435 gal
Range
5,950 km3,213 nm
8,704 km4,700 nm
Cruise Speed
840 km/h522 mph
832 km/h517 mph
Typical Seating
185 pax220 pax
Max Seating
220 pax244 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Airbus A321-200 and Airbus A321XLR

Airbus A321-200 vs Airbus A321XLR Size Comparison

  • The Airbus A321-200 and the Airbus A321XLR have the same length at 44.5 m
  • The Airbus A321-200 and the Airbus A321XLR have the same wingspan at 35.8 m
  • The Airbus A321-200 and the Airbus A321XLR have the same height at 11.8 m

Airbus A321-200 vs Airbus A321XLR Range

  • Airbus A321XLR’s range of 8,704 kilometers is greater than Airbus A321-200’s range of 5,950 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A321XLR can fly nonstop approximately 2,754 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A321XLR can hold 10,435 gallons of fuel, which is 2,502 gallons more than the Airbus A321-200’s tank capacity of 7,933 gallons.

Airbus A321-200 vs Airbus A321XLR Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A321XLR can accommodate 220 passengers, which is about 35 passengers more than Airbus A321-200’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A321XLR’s max seating capacity is 244 passengers, compared to 220 passengers of the Airbus A321-200.

About the Airbus A321-200

The Airbus A321-200, an extended version within the Airbus A320 family, stands out as a narrow-body, twin-engine aircraft tailored for medium to long-haul flights. This variant distinguishes itself from the A321 with enhanced range and payload capabilities.

Spanning 146.5 feet (44.6 meters) in length and with a wingspan of 117.5 feet (35.8 meters), the A321-200 has the distinction of being the longest aircraft in the A320 family. It accommodates up to 220 passengers in a standard two-class configuration, with options for denser seating in single-class layouts. This model has been particularly noted for its stretched fuselage, which allows for more seating without significantly increasing operational costs. Thanks to its Door-Over-Wing (DOW) exit design, the aircraft was able to increase passenger capacity while adhering to safety regulations. The A321-200 is powered by CFM56 or IAE V2500 engines, known for their reliability and efficiency. It has a maximum takeoff weight of about 206,000 lbs and can cover distances up to 3,200 nautical miles (5,930 kilometers). Equipped with Airbus's innovative fly-by-wire system and a glass cockpit, the A321-200 reflects the technological lineage of the A320 family. These systems contribute to enhanced pilot control and navigational accuracy.

Key operators of the Airbus A321-200 include American Airlines, Lufthansa, and British Airways. Each airline has utilized the A321-200 in ways that leverage its specific capacities and range, from transcontinental routes to high-traffic short-haul flights. The Airbus A321-200's development was partly driven by airline demand for a more efficient and higher capacity aircraft within the single-aisle market. One of the notable achievements of the A321-200 is its operational flexibility, which has allowed airlines to deploy it on a variety of routes, optimizing for both passenger volume and flight distance.

In operational use, the A321-200 has been recognized for its ability to effectively serve both densely trafficked routes and specialized markets requiring additional range. This flexibility makes it a valuable asset in the fleets of airlines looking to balance capacity and efficiency in their operations.

About the Airbus A321XLR

The Airbus A321XLR is an extra long range variant of the A321neo. Unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2019, the A321XLR represents a groundbreaking evolution in narrow-body aircraft for long-haul travel. Boasting an exceptional range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers), this is a significant leap from its predecessor, the A321neo. Enhancements in range stem from enhanced fuel capacity and aerodynamic improvements position the XLR as a leading choice for airlines in need of efficient, longer-range single-aisle aircraft. 

The A321XLR's development is a continuation of the A320 family's legacy of innovation, which began with the A320's introduction in the 1980s and expanded with the A321's launch in the 1990s as a stretched variant. As the newest member of this distinguished lineage, the A321XLR has been engineered to deliver unparalleled fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, key factors that align with the aviation industry's escalating focus on sustainability. These advancements are achieved through state-of-the-art engine optimizations and refined aerodynamics, including new wingtip designs.

The introduction of the A321XLR is particularly significant in its ability to transform the dynamics of long-haul travel. Its extended range capability enables it to operate transatlantic routes and other long-haul flights, which were previously the domain of larger twin-aisle aircraft. This feature opens up new possibilities for airlines to explore longer, thinner routes that are not economically viable with larger aircraft, allowing for more direct flights and enhanced route networks. The A321XLR's appeal is evident in its rapidly growing list of global customers, including major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Qantas, and AirAsia. These operators recognize the A321XLR's potential to revolutionize their fleet capabilities, providing the flexibility to service a wider array of destinations more efficiently and sustainably. The aircraft's unique combination of range, efficiency, and single-aisle economics makes it a strategic asset for airlines looking to expand their reach while minimizing environmental impact.

In essence, the Airbus A321XLR is poised to redefine the parameters of single-aisle long-haul aviation, offering an innovative solution that marries extended range with environmental consciousness and operational efficiency. Its introduction marks a significant milestone in commercial aviation, reflecting a shift towards more versatile, sustainable, and economically viable air travel solutions in the global market.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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