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Wizz hints at long-haul expansion after confirming new aircraft order
Budget carrier Wizz Air has confirmed orders for 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft to be delivered from 2023 to 2026.
The A321s, which can fly further than any other narrow-bodied aircraft, will extend the reach of the central and eastern European low-cost airline, which operates flights from Luton and seven regional airports in the UK.
While the airline currently flies on routes of up to six hours in length, the new aircraft will allow it to fly to destinations up to eight hours away, including transatlantic.
Wizz said the A321xLR will have 239 seats, the same as its A321neo so they can be used on its existing network.
Completion of the order is subject to approval by Wizz Air shareholders.
"The A321XLR is the most cost efficient aircraft of its type and represents a significant opportunity for Wizz Air to further expand its network and connect points on the WIZZ map that are currently out of reach, given the enhanced range capability of the aircraft," said CEO Jozsef Varadi.
"Today, we are flying a number of five to six hour routes with great satisfaction to our customers, so the XLR will extend our outstanding value and service proposition on routes of seven to eight hours of flying."
The lower operating costs of the A321XLR will also widen the airline’s competitive advantage, claimed Varadi, and stimulate demand for air travel in central and eastern Europe ‘and beyond’.
Today’s announcement brings Wizz Air’s outstanding firm orders with Airbus to 276 aircraft.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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