A321neo goes long-haul

Latest A321neo development allows no risk long-haul operations

The arrival of the A320neo Family has opened new possibilities for airlines. In particular, the A321neo will offer operators increased range flexibility compared to current generation single-aisles. Historically, airlines have fully exploited the range capability of any aircraft, and this development will enable them to do the same with the A320neo Family.

Up until now, aircraft such as the A319 were used as route openers on longer range sectors, but airlines are confronted with one obstacle - - as yields decline with distance, margins erode on longer sectors, something that, thanks to larger aircraft, can can only be recovered by offering more seats (i.e. lower cost per seat, allowing greater profit margin). On the other hand, the size of the A321 has become more and more popular simply because the industry is growing, has become more competitive and therefore requires larger and more cost-efficient aircraft.

As a consequence, it is no surprise to see rising interest in the recent A321neo product line, which can now typically fly 164 passengers over 3900nm, thanks to the new 97t MTOW combined with two or three ACTs (auxiliary center tanks). These types of missions, comparable to what the 757 was capable of, requires long-haul comfort - - two or three classes with lie-flat Business class seats, maybe a Premium Economy section and the Airbus 18” width comfort seats in Economy class. This results in seat counts typically falling between 165 and 180 seats, which, when combined with the low seat-mile cost of the A321neo, provides conditions to ensure very profitable operations on a long-haul networks.

In Latin America, this means that the 97t A321neo can fly non-stop from Miami to Sao Paulo or Santiago de Chile with maximum passenger payload. This paves the way for more point-to-point possibilities between North and South America, bypassing the need to stop anywhere in the middle, and at no risk for operators. Another win-win-win combination offered by the A320neo Family.

For more information contact:
Patrick Baudis
Vice President Marketing, Americas
patrick.baudis@airbus.com