The first two of six new Airbus A321XLR aircraft ordered by Aer Lingus have been received by the Irish carrier.
The fuel efficient single-aisle twinjets will serve existing transatlantic routes and fly to new destinations such as Nashville and Indianapolis from Dublin in 2025.
The aircraft are configured with 184 seats in a two-class layout featuring 16 full-flat business class and 168 economy seats.
Aer Lingus is the second airline in the world to operate the extra long range Airbus as well as the second within the International Airlines Group (IAG).
The aircraft are capable of flying up to 8,700km, a 15% increase in range compared to the A321LR.
They feature larger overhead bins allowing 60% more cabin bags, as well as wider seats, the latest technology for in-flight entertainment and acoustic engineering for quieter cabins.
The A321XLR also claim to operate with up to 20% lower fuel burn per seat than similar previous generation aircraft and are capable of operating with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Aer Lingus chef executive Lynne Embleton said: “The arrival of our two new Airbus A321XLRs mark a significant milestone for Aer Lingus.
“The long-range capabilities of the XLR enable us to travel deeper into North America, offering previously unserved markets greater connectivity to Europe through our Dublin hub.
“Both new XLR aircraft will operate on our newly announced routes to Nashville and Indianapolis for summer 2025.
“Looking ahead, we’re on target to expand our XLR fleet from two to six aircraft in 2025, further strengthening our position as a market leader in North American connectivity.”
Airbus chief commercial officer Benoît de Saint Exupéry added: “Aer Lingus becomes the latest operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft: the A321XLR.
“It will truly revolutionise long-haul travel, allowing airlines to tap into new exciting city pairings as will be demonstrated by Aer Lingus.
“We stand alongside Aer Lingus and will together make its growing fleet of A321XLRs a resounding success operationally and with passengers.”