Aer Lingus (EI, Dublin International) has taken delivery of its first two A321-200NY(XLR)s out of six units it expects, making the carrier the world's second operator of the type. EI-XLR (msn 11348) arrived at Dublin International after being ferried from Hamburg Finkenwerder on December 18, 2024, according to Flightradar24 ADS-B data. EI-XLT (msn 11590) followed, ferrying from the Airbus plant in Hamburg to Dublin later the same day.
Both units are equipped with CFM International LEAP 1A engines and configured with 16 seats in business class and 168 in economy. EI-XLT entered revenue service on December 20, with the first flight to Washington Dulles - a route thus far served with the A321-200NX(LR) type.
Aer Lingus did not immediately respond to queries from ch-aviation on when the other airframe will enter service or when further deliveries of the type are expected. As previously reported, however, the carrier has named Nashville International as its inaugural dedicated A321XLR destination starting April 12, 2025, with a 4x weekly service. Indianapolis International is another potential destination for the airline, Airbus said.
The six A321XLRs are part of an order for 14 units placed by Air Lingus parent IAG International Airlines Group for the Irish airline and Iberia (IB, Madrid Barajas) in June 2019. While Aer Lingus was originally due to be the launch operator of the type, IAG opted for Iberia instead following a pay dispute between the Irish carrier and the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA).
According to the ch-aviation fleets module, Aer Lingus' single-aisle fleet comprises twenty-seven A320-200s, six A320-200Ns, and eight A321-200NX(LR)s. Another two A320-200Ns and six A321-200NX(LR)s are still to be delivered.
Its widebody fleet, in turn, comprises three A330-200s and ten A330-300s. In the wake of a squeeze on profits, the carrier reportedly plans to ground one A330 and reduce the A320 fleet by three as it makes room for the introduction of the new A321XLRs.
