Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland, is preparing to expand its fleet with the addition of two Airbus A321XLR aircraft by the end of 2024. The deliveries are expected to take place during the final quarter of the year, facilitated by a newly established collective labor agreement between Aer Lingus and the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA).
In response to this development, Aer Lingus has announced adjustments to its flight schedule between Dublin Airport (DUB) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Starting in the upcoming winter season, the airline will be reducing the number of daily flights on this route by at least two. This decision stems from the route’s underperformance, attributed to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Brexit transition in February 2020.
While Aer Lingus anticipates the arrival of its new A321XLRs, the first delivery of this model is slated for Iberia, another member of the International Airlines Group (IAG). An Iberia spokesperson confirmed to Simple Flying that the Spanish airline will take delivery of its first A321XLR in the coming weeks, aligning with the original schedule.
Meanwhile, the production of the A321XLR at the Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport (XFW) provides a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of aircraft manufacturing. An A321XLR with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 11348 was observed sporting Aer Lingus’s tail colors and green winglets. However, during the engine installation phase, Iberia’s cowling was fitted, highlighting the blending of airline identities during the final stages of production.
Another A321XLR destined for Iberia, MSN 11504, has also been spotted at the XFW facility. This aircraft, registered as D-AVYR for testing purposes, featured prominently in a promotional video shared by Iberia on social media, showcasing the aircraft’s new livery as it emerged from the paint hangar. MSN 11348, registered as D-AZXY during its test phase, successfully completed its maiden flight on July 4. Since then, it has accumulated eight test flights, totaling over 16 hours of flight time, according to the Aviation Flights Group.
Both Aer Lingus and Iberia are integral parts of IAG, a leading European airline conglomerate. IAG’s recent strategic decision to abandon its pursuit of acquiring Air Europa has led to operational adjustments within its member airlines, impacting aircraft allocation and fleet management across the group. As Aer Lingus gears up for the arrival of its A321XLRs, these aircraft are poised to play a crucial role in enhancing its long-haul operations. They offer extended range and improved efficiency, catering to the evolving demands of the post-pandemic travel landscape.
