Wizz Air enters new era in intercontinental low-cost travel to exotic destinations by welcoming 1st Airbus A321XLR
Wizz Air has taken delivery of its first long-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the Hungarian low-cost airline announced on Tuesday. The airline has ordered 47 of the A321XLR jets, which have a range of 8,700 km, with the aim of expanding capacity for connections between Europe and exotic destinations across the Arabian Peninsula, India, and Central Asia. No mention was made of any plans to launch transatlantic flights.
According to Budflyer, Wizz Air took part in a high-level Uzbek business forum held in Budapest yesterday, during which the need for direct air links between Hungary and Uzbekistan was also discussed.
Wizz Air enters new era
According to Wizz Air, the future of air travel has arrived! Wizz Air, Europe’s most environmentally sustainable airline*, has proudly announced the delivery of its first-ever Airbus A321XLR—marking a historic milestone as the world’s first Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) to offer extended-range intercontinental flights with this state-of-the-art aircraft.
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This advanced aircraft, the latest in the Airbus A320neo family, extends the range of single-aisle jets to unprecedented levels. It allows Wizz Air to offer ultra-low fares, improved comfort, and highly efficient operations on routes exceeding six hours—all while leading the industry in reducing emissions per passenger.
With its extra-long range (XLR) capabilities, the A321XLR opens up exciting new destinations that were previously only reachable via wide-body aircraft operated by high-fare long-haul carriers. This translates into more direct routes, greater capacity, no business class, and even lower fares—all without compromising on comfort.
What passengers can expect:
- Spacious, modern cabins with Wizz Air’s signature comfort
- More direct routes, cutting out inconvenient connections and reducing total travel time
- Lower fares, with a customer-first approach on every flight
- A significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to wide-body aircraft on similar routes
Speaking at the launch event at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Hamburg, Owain Jones, Wizz Air’s Chief Corporate Officer, said:
“Aligning with our recently announced Customer First transformation, the arrival of our first A321XLR is a defining moment for Wizz Air and our valued customers.”
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He added:
“This aircraft is a major result of our two-decade-long successful collaboration with our key partner Airbus. It represents a revolution in air travel, allowing us to offer non-stop intercontinental routes at unbeatable prices, while maintaining our commitment to efficiency and lower emissions. Our customers will enjoy cutting-edge cabin features, quieter flights, and the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class.
This is not just a commitment to innovation and excellence—it sets a new standard for the entire aviation industry. The future of travel is here, and we’re just getting started.”
Customer first commitment – Innovation at the core of our journey
Part of the airline’s recently launched Customer First Compass initiative, the inclusion of the Airbus A321XLR is a strategic investment that strengthens Wizz Air’s competitive edge among ULCCs. It brings a fresh, exciting, and more environmentally sustainable product to the market. With over 300 new aircraft on order, Wizz Air remains committed to operating one of the youngest, safest, and most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry.
Expanding its footprint across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Wizz Air continues to focus on delivering low-fare intercontinental travel to an increasing number of destinations, now made more accessible by the Airbus A321XLR. By embracing a fully digital-first mindset, the airline ensures a seamless journey from booking to boarding.
First operator for the A321XLR
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Chief Commercial Officer at Airbus, commented:
“The introduction of the A321XLR into Wizz Air’s fleet is a landmark event. Wizz Air becomes the first operator of the A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. This next-generation aircraft will deliver exceptional economic benefits thanks to its unrivalled range and payload. As Wizz Air continues its extraordinary growth, Airbus is proud to support the airline with the latest aircraft to help connect customers to previously untapped destinations.”
A step towards greener travel
The A321XLR offers a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, making it a cornerstone of Wizz Air’s decarbonisation strategy. Featuring the latest aerodynamic design improvements, Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, and cutting-edge cabin technology, the aircraft ensures a quieter, smoother, and more efficient flying experience, enabling even lower ticket prices through greater aircraft utilisation.
Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, said:
“The GTF-powered Airbus A321XLR adds unique value to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our airline partners—starting with Wizz Air. This delivery highlights the GTF engine’s world-class fuel efficiency and operational performance.”
As part of Wizz Air’s ongoing ambition to drive innovation and reduce its environmental impact, the airline has selected Gen Phoenix’s Essence seat material for the launch of its new A321XLR aircraft. Essence is a next-generation aviation product from the recycled materials innovator, specifically designed with circularity in mind. It further supports Wizz Air’s commitment to carbon reduction. The material is fully recyclable at the end of its service life, enabling airlines that adopt it to benefit from Gen Phoenix’s closed-loop seating solution while eliminating a critical waste stream.
Incredible new destinations
“Wizz Air is one of our longest-standing customers, and this new agreement marks nearly 15 years of collaboration,” said John Kennedy, CEO of Gen Phoenix. “We have always been proud to partner with brands that have strong environmental values, and Wizz Air is a leading example of an airline that takes sustainability seriously when choosing preferred materials and suppliers. Since partnering with Gen Phoenix, Wizz Air has diverted over 16 tonnes of leather waste from landfill and significantly reduced its carbon footprint by using our recycled leather, which has over 80% lower carbon impact than traditional leather.”
The addition of the A321XLR to the Wizz Air fleet highlights the airline’s commitment to innovation, affordability, and environmentally responsible growth. The six A321XLR aircraft to be added in 2025 will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter, as part of the airline’s Customer First transformation.
The first of many A321XLRs will soon begin flying to incredible new destinations, connecting more people across the world with the best combination of price, comfort, and efficiency.
Welcome to the future of air travel. Welcome aboard Wizz Air’s A321XLR—and stay tuned for more exciting announcements.
Read more about Wizz Air HERE.