Airbus A321XLR for Aer Lingus and Iberia

RNS Number : 6481C

International Cons Airlines Group

18 June 2019

 

AIRBUS A321XLR FOR AER LINGUS AND IBERIA

International Airlines Group (IAG) is ordering eight Airbus A321XLR aircraft for Iberia and six for Aer Lingus, plus 14 options. The airlines will be among the launch customers for the extra long-range narrowbody aircraft with their first deliveries scheduled for 2023.

The A321XLR will be used to expand both Aer Lingus and Iberia's existing longhaul fleets.  Each aircraft will be fitted with Economy and Business cabins including full flat seats. They will also feature the same gate-to-gate inflight entertainment, internet connectivity and ambient lighting as new generation longhaul aircraft.

These aircraft will enable Aer Lingus to launch new routes beyond the US East Coast and Canada. The airline is already taking eight A321neo LR on lease with the first delivery scheduled for this summer.

For Iberia, this is a new aircraft type that will enable it to operate new transatlantic destinations and increase frequencies in key markets.

Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "The A321XLR has the same unit cost as a widebody longhaul aircraft which will enable profitable network expansion. This will strengthen both Dublin and Madrid hubs providing new transatlantic routes and additional flexibility for connecting passengers. These aircraft will also bring further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits."

Enrique Dupuy de Lôme

Chief Financial Officer

18 June 2019

Note to editors:

·      The A321XLR list price is approximately US$142 million in 2018 prices.

·      The list price is the sum of the airframe list price, engine option list price and the price of certain assumed specification change notices against which price concessions are made. IAG has negotiated a substantial discount from the list price.

·      IAG has a range of financing options and will choose the most appropriate source closer to the delivery time.

 

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