Whilst there is a lot of talk about the Airbus A321XLR, the A321LR (the 4,000mn version) is in production – with Azores Airlines taking delivery of their first unit
Azores Airlines Airbus A321LR – Image, Airbus
The airline is taking its first frame via a lease from Air Lease Corporation. This is the first of three due to the airline.
Azores Airlines will operate the 190 seat aircraft in a two-class configuration (16 Business class seats and 174 seats in Economy). The Portuguese operator will continue its strategy of growth and network expansion to European destinations as well as transatlantic routes between the Azores and North America.
The A321LR will join the Azores Airlines’ Airbus fleet of five single-aisle aircraft comprising three A320ceo and two A321neo. This new member of the fleet will provide Azores Airlines with more operational flexibility while able to take advantage of aircraft commonality.
Commonality, with range
With costs to train pilots of different fleet types, having one common type of aircraft represents a saving, as well as the ease to deploy an aircraft and crew where they need to go. Having fleet and type commonality helps in this respect – as well as an additional range. Currently, Azores Airlines uses its base to stretch into Canada, United Stat, Cape Verde, Portugal, United Kingdom and other European destinations.
With the extra range the A321LR offers (4000mn vs 3,200nm), the extra 800 nautical miles opens up a variety of new destinations to the airline
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