Airlines

Wizz Air becomes first to operate Pratt & Whitney-powered A321XLR

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Christoph Zammert, Airbus EVP Head of A320 Family Programme and Owain Jones, Chief Corporate Officer Wizz Air, at the delivery of the first A321XLR to Wizz Air. (Photo: Airbus)

Wizz Air has received its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline globally to operate the type powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The milestone delivery took place on May 20, 2025, in Hamburg, Germany.

The new aircraft is configured with 239 seats in a single-class layout and features Airbus’ latest Airspace cabin. Designed for passenger comfort, the cabin includes customizable lighting settings tailored to different flight phases—boarding, dining, relaxing, and sleeping.

Wizz Air is also the first European low-cost carrier to introduce the A321XLR, a move expected to expand its reach across Europe and the Middle East. The airline plans to take delivery of 46 more A321XLRs in the coming years, adding to its current fleet of over 230 Airbus A320 Family aircraft.

Wizz Air Airbus A321neo departing Abu Dhabi on delivery to the carrier. (Photo: Airbus)

The A321XLR offers a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, making it ideal for long-haul routes typically underserved by low-cost carriers. Airbus says the aircraft delivers a 30% reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation models, along with lower noise and emissions.

Additionally, the A321XLR is capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be 100% SAF-capable by 2030, aligning with the industry’s broader sustainability goals.

So far, Airbus has secured over 500 orders for the A321XLR, underlining strong demand for long-range, narrow-body aircraft.

Written by
Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.

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