CGI of Airbus A321neo 97 tonnes MTOW with full transatlantic range. Airbus image.
CGI of Airbus A321neo 97 tonnes MTOW with full transatlantic range. Airbus image.

Airbus launches high MTOW A321 with full transatlantic range

January 15, 2015 1 Comment 496 Views

European airframer Airbus has scored a coup of sorts by officially launching a new variant of the A321neo with 97 tonnes Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW). Airbus is targeting a 2019 first delivery date.

At 4,000nm, the ‘A321neo 97t’ as it is being referred to, will have the highest range of any single aisle airliner, giving it full transatlantic capability, and thus an ideal replacement to the very popular but discontinued Boeing 757.

The long range will also allow airlines to open up distant markets which are ‘thin’, i.e. do not have high passenger loads to justify a wide-body operation.

An additional fuel tank in the forward hold along with minor improvements in the wing and fuselage, helps the A321neo 97t achieve the range. The aircraft will accommodate 206 passengers in a two-class layout.

Steven F. Udvar-Házy led Air Lease Corporation (ALC) is the launch customer of the new jetliner. The Los Angeles, California head-quartered leasing company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 30 more A321neo, increasing its commitments made at the 2014 Farnborough air show to 90.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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One comment

  1. SSN
    January 16, 2015 at 03:31

    Hope to see Indigo & probably Vistara pick up some order for this type. This can be used for destinations in Asia & Middle East and during peak holiday seasons on the domestic sector.

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