Arkia Airlines of Israel has become the first operator of the Airbus A321LR, with the airline taking delivery of the very first of the newest member of the Airbus A320neo family yesterday.
Arkia Airbus A321LR – Image, Airbus.
The variant Arkia will use is powered by twin CFM Leap engines. In terms of seat count, the plane has been delivered in a 220 seat count in a single class configuration.
There’s been a lot of talk about the A321LR and it’s possible missions – as the variant has a 4,000 nautical mile/7,400km range. The airline has highlighted Bergen and Oslo as routes will be operated with a A321.
4000 miles doesn’t quite stretch to the USA from Tel Aviv – but it opens a lot of new doors
Great Circle Map showing 4000nm from Tel Aviv – Map – Great Circle Mapper
As well as the additional fuel tanks, the plane uses the Airbus Cabin Flex design (which can support 20 more seats). Arkia have gone for a smaller configuration which should provide some comfort through the cabin.
Some will be watching the performance and missions this first A321LR is placed on. Others have bigger plans for the aircraft – including an Irish carrier that wants to send them to Montreal…
It will be interesting to see what other missions Akira put the A321LR on.
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