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Airbus A321#A321

{{Short description|Airliner, stretched model of the A320 family}}

{{Redirect|A321|the British road|A321 road}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}

{{Infobox aircraft

| name = A321

| logo = Logo Airbus A321.svg

| image = File:Airbus A321-231(w) ‘N915US’ American Airlines (28442733186).jpg

| image_caption = An A321-200 of American Airlines, the largest operator

| aircraft_type = Narrow-body jet airliner

| national_origin = Multinational{{efn|The Airbus A321 is built in Hamburg, Germany and Mobile, Alabama, United States}}

| manufacturer = Airbus

| designer =

| first_flight = 11 March 1993

| introduction = 27 January 1994 with Lufthansa

| produced = 1992–2021 (A321ceo)

2012–present (A321neo)

| retired =

| status = In service

| primary_user = American Airlines

| more_users = Delta Air Lines
Wizz Air
China Southern Airlines

| number_built = 3,458 {{as of|2025|3|31|lc=y}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aircraft.airbus.com/market/orders-deliveries/|publisher=Airbus|title=Airbus Orders & Deliveries|date=31 March 2025|access-date=9 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010134850/http://www.aircraft.airbus.com/market/orders-deliveries/|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=dead}}

| developed_from = Airbus A320

| developed_into = Airbus A320neo
Airbus A321neo

}}

The Airbus A321 is a member of the Airbus A320 family of short to medium range, narrow-body, commercial passenger twin engine jet airliners;{{efn|Airbus was originally a consortium of European aerospace companies named, Airbus Industrie, and is now fully owned by Airbus, originally named EADS. Airbus' name has been Airbus SAS since 2001.}} it carries 185 to 236 passengers. It has a stretched fuselage which was the first derivative of the baseline A320 and entered service in 1994, about six years after the original A320. The aircraft shares a common type rating with all other Airbus A320-family variants, allowing A320-family pilots to fly the aircraft without the need for further training.

In December 2010, Airbus announced a new generation of the A320 family, the A320neo (new engine option).{{cite web |url=http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-offers-new-fuel-saving-engine-options-for-a320-family/ |title=Airbus offers new fuel saving engine options for A320 Family |publisher=Airbus |date=1 December 2010 |access-date=31 December 2011 |archive-date=9 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409105432/http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-offers-new-fuel-saving-engine-options-for-a320-family/ |url-status=live }} The similarly lengthened fuselage A321neo variant offers new, more efficient engines, combined with airframe improvements and the addition of winglets (called Sharklets by Airbus). The aircraft delivers fuel savings of up to 15%. The A321neo carries up to 244 passengers, with a maximum range of {{cvt|4000|nmi}} for the long-range version when carrying no more than 206 passengers.{{cite web|url=https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a320-family/a321neo.html#a321lr/|title=A321 specifications|publisher=Airbus|access-date=17 October 2018|archive-date=18 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018003105/https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a320-family/a321neo.html#a321lr/|url-status=live}}

Final assembly of the aircraft takes place in Hamburg, Germany, Mobile, Alabama, United States, Tianjin, China,{{cite web |title=Airbus Final Assembly Line Asia assembles its first A321 aircraft |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-12-airbus-delivers-first-aircraft-from-new-toulouse-final-assembly |website=Airbus |date=27 December 2023 |access-date=26 May 2024}} and Toulouse, France.{{cite web |title=Airbus delivers first aircraft from new Toulouse Final Assembly Line - an A321neo to Pegasus Airlines |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-12-airbus-delivers-first-aircraft-from-new-toulouse-final-assembly |website=Airbus |date=27 December 2023 |access-date=26 May 2024}} {{as of|2025|3}}, a total of 3,458 A321 airliners have been delivered, of which 3,376 are in service. In addition, another 5,317 A321neo aircraft are on firm order. American Airlines is the largest operator of the Airbus A321 with 301 examples in its fleet.

== Development ==

File:Lufthansa.a321-100.d-aire.arp.jpg; seen here is an A321-100.]]

The Airbus A321 was the first derivative of the A320, also known as the Stretched A320, A320-500 and A325.{{Cite book|last1=Norris|first1=Guy |last2= Wagner|first2=Mark |title=Airbus|location=St. Paul, Minnesota|publisher=MBI Publishing|year=1999|isbn=0-7603-0677-X|pages=50–53}}

{{Cite book|last1=Laming|first1=Tim|first2=Robert|last2=Hewson|title=Airbus A320|publisher=Zenith Imprint|year=2000|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wiwFHh4sd_0C&q=Airbus+A320|isbn=0-7603-0902-7|page=23|access-date=29 October 2020|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527094756/https://books.google.com/books?id=wiwFHh4sd_0C&q=Airbus+A320|url-status=live}} Its launch came on 24 November 1988, around the same time as the A320 entered service, after commitments for 183 aircraft from 10 customers were secured.

File:A321 final assembly (9351765668).jpg 3 in the Airbus Hamburg-Finkenwerder plant]]

The maiden flight of the Airbus A321 came on 11 March 1993, when the prototype, registration F-WWIA, flew with IAE V2500 engines; the second prototype, equipped with CFM56-5B turbofans, flew in May 1993. Lufthansa and Alitalia were the first to order the stretched Airbuses, with 20 and 40 aircraft requested, respectively. The first of Lufthansa's V2500-A5-powered A321s arrived on 27 January 1994, while Alitalia received its first CFM56-5B-powered aircraft on 22 March 1994. The A321-100 entered service in January 1994 with Lufthansa.{{Cite web |date=21 September 2023 |title=So wurde Norddeutschland mit dem Airbus A321 zur Boomregion des Flugzeugbaus |url=https://www.stern.de/reise/deutschland/airbus-a321---so-wurde-norddeutschland-zur-boomregion-des-flugzeugbaus_7887118-7886982.html |access-date=21 September 2023 |website=stern.de |language=de}}

Final assembly for the A321 was carried out in Germany (then West Germany), a first for any Airbus.{{Cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%200274.html |title=A321 victory for West Germany |access-date=24 February 2011 |author=Sebdon, Gilbert |date=7 February 1990 |work=Flight International |archive-date=22 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622044226/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%200274.html |url-status=live }} This came after a dispute between the French, who claimed that the move would incur $150 million (€135 million) in unnecessary expenditure associated with the new plant, and the Germans, who claimed that it would be more productive for Airbus in the long run. The second production line was located in Hamburg, which later produced the smaller Airbus A319 and A318. For the first time, Airbus entered the bond market, through which it raised $480 million (€475 million) to finance development costs.{{Cite book|last=Reed|first=Arthur|title=Airbus: Europe's High Flyer|location= Zürich, Switzerland| publisher=Norden Publishing House|year=1992|isbn=3-907150-10-4|page=84}} An additional $180 million (€175 million) was borrowed from European Investment Bank and private investors.{{harvnb|Norris|Wagner|1999|p=52}}

The A321 is the largest variant of the A320 family. The A321-200's length exceeds {{cvt|44.5|m|ft}}, increasing maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) to {{cvt|93000|kg|sigfig=3}}. Wingspan remained unchanged, supplementing various wingtip devices. Two suppliers provided turbofan engines for the A321: CFM International with its CFM56 and International Aero Engines with the V2500 engine, both in the thrust range of {{cvt|133|-|147|kN}}.

Over 30 years since launch, the A321 MTOW grew by 20% from the {{cvt|83|t|lb}} -100 to the {{cvt|101|t|lb}} A321XLR, seating became 10% more dense with 244 seats, up by 24, and range doubled from {{cvt|2300|to|4700|nmi}}.

By 2019, 4,200 had been ordered—one-quarter of all Airbus single-aisles—including 2,400 neos, one-third of all A320neo orders.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-the-incredible-evolution-of-airbuss-bigg-459479/ |title= The incredible evolution of Airbus's biggest single-aisle |date= 15 July 2019 |author= Max Kingsley Jones |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 15 July 2019 |archive-date= 15 July 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190715114657/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-the-incredible-evolution-of-airbuss-bigg-459479/ |url-status= live }}

Design

File:Airbus A321-..., Lufthansa AN0620267.jpgs.]]

The Airbus A321 is a narrow-body (single-aisle) aircraft with a retractable tricycle landing gear, powered by two wing pylon-mounted turbofan engines. It is a low-wing cantilever monoplane with a conventional tail unit having a single vertical stabilizer and rudder. Changes from the A320 include a fuselage stretch and some modifications to the wing. The fuselage was lengthened by a {{cvt|4.27|m|ftin|adj=on}} plug ahead of the wing and a {{cvt|2.67|m|ftin|adj=on}} plug behind it, making the A321 {{Convert|6.94|m|ftin|abbr=on}} longer than the A320.{{cite web|url=http://www.airbus.com/aircraftfamilies/passengeraircraft/a320family/a320/specifications/|title=Specifications Airbus A320|work=Airbus|access-date=13 February 2012|archive-date=24 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124123133/http://www.airbus.com/aircraftfamilies/passengeraircraft/a320family/a320/specifications/|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|last=Gunston|first=Bill|author-link=Bill Gunston|title=Airbus: The Complete Story|year=2009|location=Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, UK |publisher=Haynes Publishing|isbn=978-1-84425-585-6|pages=213–215}} The length increase required the overwing window exits of the A320 to be converted into door exits and repositioned in front of and behind the wings.{{cite book|editor-last=Eden|editor-first=Paul E. |title=Civil Aircraft Today|publisher=Amber Books|year= 2008|location=London|isbn=978-1-905704-86-6|page=25}} To maintain performance, double-slotted flaps and minor trailing edge modifications were included, increasing the wing area from {{cvt|124|m2}} to {{cvt|128|m2}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1993/1993%20-%200507.html|title=A321: Taking on the 757|author1=Moxon|author2=Julian|date=17 March 1993|work=Flight International|access-date=25 February 2011|archive-date=22 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622030100/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1993/1993%20-%200507.html|url-status=live}} The centre fuselage and undercarriage were reinforced to accommodate a {{cvt|9,600|kg|sigfig=3}} increase in maximum takeoff weight, taking it to {{cvt|83,000|kg|sigfig=3}}.

Variants

The variants of A321ceo and A321neo family aircraft are mainly defined by its cabin layout and fuel configuration.

Airbus offers customers with only one fuel configuration with the A321-100.

Airbus offers customers with 3 different fuel configuration options with the A321-200: customers can select up to 2 auxiliary fuel tanks (ACT) in the after cargo hold.

Airbus offers customers with 4 different fuel configuration options with the standard A321neo: customers can select up to 1 auxiliary fuel tank (ACT) in the front cargo hold and up to 2 ACTs in the after cargo hold. The A321neo-ACF with 3 ACTs is exclusively branded as A321LR (Long Range).

Airbus offers customers with 2 different fuel configuration options with the A321XLR: customers can select up to 1 ACT in the front cargo hold.

class="wikitable sortable"

|+A321ceo & A321neo family variants{{Cite web |title=AIRCRAFT CHARACTERISTICS AIRPORT AND MAINTENANCE PLANNING |url=https://aircraft.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta126/files/2023-02/Airbus-techdata-AC_A321_0322%20%282%29.pdf}}

! rowspan="2" |Marketing name

! rowspan="2" |Cabin

! colspan="2" |Fuel config

! rowspan="2" |Fuel capacity

! rowspan="2" |Cargo

Front

!Rear

A321-100 CFMI

| rowspan="8" |STD

| rowspan="8" |—

| rowspan="2" |—

|{{Convert|18880|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|10*LD3-45

A321-100 IAE

|{{Convert|18605|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|10*LD3-45

rowspan="3" |A321-200 CFMI

|—

|{{Convert|18880|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|10*LD3-45

1ACT

|{{Convert|21330|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|9*LD3-45

2ACT

|{{Convert|23780|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|8*LD3-45

rowspan="3" |A321-200 IAE

|—

|{{Convert|18605|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|10*LD3-45

1ACT

|{{Convert|21055|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|9*LD3-45

2ACT

|{{Convert|23505|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|8*LD3-45

rowspan="3" |A321neo

| rowspan="3" |STD

| rowspan="3" |—

|—

|{{Convert|18440|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|10*LD3-45

1ACT

|{{Convert|20890|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|9*LD3-45

2ACT

|{{Convert|23340|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|8*LD3-45

rowspan="3" |A321neo ACF

| rowspan="6" |ACF

|—

|—

|{{Convert|18510|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|10*LD3-45

—

|1ACT

|{{Convert|20960|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|9*LD3-45

—

|2ACT

|{{Convert|23410|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|8*LD3-45

A321LR

|1ACT

|2ACT

|{{Convert|25860|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|7*LD3-45

rowspan="2" |A321XLR

|—

|1RCT

|{{Convert|28753|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|8*LD3-45

1ACT

|1RCT

|{{Convert|31202|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|7*LD3-45

File:Airbus A32X family v1.0.png

File:N162UW (45250787704).jpgs were replaced by type 'C' doors in front of and behind the wings for the A321, although some A321neos with the Cabin Flex arrangement kept the overwing exits.]]

=A321-100=

The original derivative of the A321, the A321-100, had shorter range than the A320 because no extra fuel tank was added to compensate for the increased weight. The MTOW of the A321-100 is {{cvt|83,000|kg|sigfig=3}}. The A321-100 entered service with Lufthansa in 1994. Only about 90 were produced; a few were later converted to the A321-200 variant.{{Cn|date=August 2024}}

= A321-200 =

Airbus began development of the heavier and longer-range A321-200 in 1995 to give the A321 full-passenger transcontinental US range. This was achieved through higher thrust engines (V2533-A5 or CFM56-5B3), minor structural strengthening, and an increase in fuel capacity with the installation of one or two optional {{cvt|2,990|L|USgal|adj=on}} tanks in the rear underfloor hold. The additional fuel tanks increased the total capacity to {{cvt|30,030|L|USgal|adj=on}}. These modifications also increased the maximum takeoff weight of the A321-200 to {{cvt|93,000|kg|sigfig=3}}. This variant first flew in December 1996, and entered service with Monarch Airlines in April 1997. The following month, Middle East Airlines received its first A321-200 in May 1997. Its direct competitors include the 757-200 and the 737-900/900ER.

= A321neo =

File:Tc-lsa (42253295235).jpg or PW1000G turbofans. This Turkish Airlines A321neo has PW1000G engines.]]

{{Main|Airbus A321neo}}

On 1 December 2010, Airbus launched the A320neo family (neo for New Engine Option) with {{cvt|500|nmi}} more range and 15% better fuel efficiency, thanks to new CFM International LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines and large sharklets.{{cite press release |url= http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-offers-new-fuel-saving-engine-options-for-a320-family/ |title= Airbus offers new fuel saving engine options for A320 Family |publisher= Airbus |date= 1 December 2010 |access-date= 17 November 2016 |archive-date= 9 April 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160409105432/http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-offers-new-fuel-saving-engine-options-for-a320-family/ |url-status= live }}

The lengthened A321neo prototype made its first flight on 9 February 2016.{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-a321neo-idUSKCN0VI1R2 |title= Airbus A321neo completes first flight after engine switch. |publisher= Reuters |date= 9 February 2016 |access-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-date= 23 October 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181023133919/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-a321neo-idUSKCN0VI1R2 |url-status= live }}

It received its type certification on 15 December 2016.{{cite press release |title= Airbus A321neo with P&W engines receives Type Certification |url= http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-a321neo-with-pw-engines-receives-type-certification/ |publisher= Airbus |date= 15 December 2015 |access-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-date= 11 January 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170111045726/http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-a321neo-with-pw-engines-receives-type-certification/ |url-status= live }}

The first entered service in May 2017 with Virgin America.{{cite news |url= http://atwonline.com/airframes/virgin-america-receives-first-a321neo-alaska-mulls-future-fleet |title= Virgin America receives first A321neo as Alaska mulls future fleet |date= 20 April 2017 |author= Aaron Karp |work= Air Transport World |publisher= Aviation Week |access-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-date= 28 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180928074921/http://atwonline.com/airframes/virgin-america-receives-first-a321neo-alaska-mulls-future-fleet |url-status= live }}

== A321LR ==

File:4X-AGK Independence Day 09-05-2019b.jpg A321LR in 2019]]

{{Main|Airbus A321neo#A321LR}}

In October 2014, Airbus started marketing a longer range {{cvt|97|t|lb}} maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) variant with three auxiliary fuel tanks, giving it {{cvt|100|nmi}} more operational range than a Boeing 757-200.{{cite news |url= http://leehamnews.com/2014/10/21/exclusive-airbus-launches-a321neolr-long-range-to-replace-757-200w/ |title= Exclusive: Airbus launches "A321neoLR" long range to replace 757-200W |work= Leeham News |date= 21 October 2014 |access-date= 17 November 2016 |archive-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101800/https://leehamnews.com/2014/10/21/exclusive-airbus-launches-a321neolr-long-range-to-replace-757-200w/ |url-status= live }}

Airbus launched the A321LR (Long Range) on 13 January 2015; it has a range of {{cvt|4000|nmi}} with 206 seats in two classes.{{cite news |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2015-01-13/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo |title= Airbus Launches Long-Range A321neo |work= Aviation International News |date= 13 January 2015 |access-date= 17 November 2016 |archive-date= 21 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210121052537/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2015-01-13/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo-version |title= Airbus Launches Long-Range A321neo Version |work= Aviation Week |date= 13 January 2015 |access-date= 17 November 2016 |archive-date= 16 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180916072651/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo-version |url-status= live }} On 31 January 2018, the variant completed its first flight.{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-airplane-a321lr/airbus-a321lr-long-range-jet-takes-maiden-flight-idUSKBN1FK1H3 |title= Airbus A321LR long-range jet completes maiden flight |date= 31 January 2018 |work= Reuters |access-date= 31 January 2018 |archive-date= 31 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180131192007/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-airplane-a321lr/airbus-a321lr-long-range-jet-takes-maiden-flight-idUSKBN1FK1H3 |url-status= live }}

Airbus announced its certification on 2 October 2018.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/10/easa-and-faa-certify-long-range-capability-for-a321neo-.html |date= 2 October 2018 |title= EASA and FAA certify long-range capability for A321neo |publisher= Airbus |access-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-date= 3 October 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181003141616/https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/10/easa-and-faa-certify-long-range-capability-for-a321neo-.html |url-status= live }} On 13 November 2018, Arkia received the first A321LR.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/arkia-chief-a321lr-first-single-aisle-to-beat-757-3-453591/ |title= Arkia chief: A321LR first single-aisle to beat 757-300 economics |date= 13 November 2018 |author= David Kaminski Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 24 November 2018 |archive-date= 14 November 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181114010942/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/arkia-chief-a321lr-first-single-aisle-to-beat-757-3-453591/ |url-status= live }}

==A321XLR==

{{Main|Airbus A321neo#A321XLR}}

File:Iberia Airbus A321XLR EC-OIL on final approach to Boston March 2025 2.jpg]]

The A321XLR is an A321LR variant with a further increased MTOW{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-studying-higher-capacity-a321neo |title= Airbus Studying Higher-Capacity A321neo |date= 31 January 2018 |author= Jens Flottau |work= Aviation Week Network |access-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-date= 2 February 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180202012746/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-studying-higher-capacity-a321neo |url-status= live }} intended to compete with the Boeing NMA,{{cite news |title=Airbus Moves Ahead With A321XLR Definition |url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-moves-ahead-a321xlr-definition |author1=Jens Flottau |author2=Guy Norris |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=27 March 2019 |archive-date=23 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723162353/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-moves-ahead-a321xlr-definition |url-status=live }} which has since been put on hold.

The variant was launched at the June 2019 Paris Air Show, with a range of {{cvt|4700|nmi}}. It included a new permanent Rear Centre Tank (RCT) for more fuel, a strengthened landing gear for a {{cvt|101|t|lb}} MTOW and an optimised wing trailing-edge flap configuration to preserve take-off performance.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/06/airbus-launches-longest-range-singleaisle-airliner-the-a321xlr.html |title= Airbus launches longest range single-aisle airliner: the A321XLR |date= 17 June 2019 |publisher= Airbus |access-date= 17 June 2019 |archive-date= 26 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210226070750/https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/06/airbus-launches-longest-range-singleaisle-airliner-the-a321xlr.html |url-status= live }}

In June 2022, the A321XLR completed its first flight.{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Kate |date=17 June 2022 |title=Airbus A321XLR Completes First Flight |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/airbus-a321xlr-completes-first-flight/ |access-date=18 June 2022 |website=AVweb |language=en-US}} Aer Lingus was originally to be the launch customer of the A321XLR. However, due to internal pilot contract disputes, the first A321XLR was instead delivered to Iberia on October 30, 2024.{{cite web |title=Airbus delivers first A321XLR to Iberia |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-10-airbus-delivers-first-a321xlr-to-iberia |access-date=30 October 2024 |date=30 October 2024}} The first flight with passengers was on November 6, 2024.{{cite web |title=Flight history for aircraft - EC-OIL |url=https://archive.today/20241106090238/https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/ec-oil |access-date=6 November 2024 }}{{cite web |title=Iberia completes first A321XLR commercial flight |date=6 November 2024 |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/iberia-completes-first-a321xlr-commercial-flight |access-date=6 November 2024 }} The first long-haul flight with passengers was on 14 November 2024, from Madrid to Boston.{{Cite web |title=Iberia launches world's first A321XLR |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2024/11/15/iberia-launches-worlds-first-a321xlr/}}

==Freighter conversion==

{{Main|Airbus A320 family#Passenger-to-freighter_(P2F)|l1 = Airbus A320 family, Passenger-to-freighter (P2F)}}

While no freighter version of the A321 has been built new by Airbus, a first attempt of converting used A320/321 into freighter aircraft was undertaken by Airbus Freighter Conversion GmbH. The program, however, was canceled in 2011 before any aircraft were converted.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2011/06/strong-demand-for-used-airbus-a320-aircraft-drives-joint-decision-to-stop-freighter-conversion-programme.html |title= Strong demand for used Airbus A320 aircraft drives joint decision to stop freighter conversion programme |date= 3 June 2011 |publisher= Airbus}}

On 17 June 2015, ST Aerospace signed agreements with Airbus and EFW for a collaboration to launch the A320/A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme.{{cite press release |title= ST Aerospace, Airbus and EFW to launch A320 and A321P2F conversion programme |publisher= ST Aerospace |date= 17 June 2015 |url= https://www.stengg.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/st-engineerings-aerospace-arm-to-increase-shareholding-in-efw-to-55/ |access-date= 23 October 2021 |archive-date= 25 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200725010556/https://www.stengg.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/st-engineerings-aerospace-arm-to-increase-shareholding-in-efw-to-55/ |url-status= live}}

The initial converted aircraft first flew on 22 January 2020. On 27 October 2020, the first A321-200P2F was delivered to launch operator Qantas Freight.{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/worlds-first-a321p2f-enters-service/ |title= World's first A321P2F enters service |author= Chris Buckett |date= 27 October 2020 |work= AirwaysMagazine |access-date= 23 October 2021 |archive-date= 28 October 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201028072149/https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/worlds-first-a321p2f-enters-service/ |url-status= live}}

The A321-200PCF is a passenger to freighter conversion, developed by Precision Conversions and certificated in 2021.

Sine Draco Aviation also offers an A321 passenger-to-freighter conversion programme; its first conversion is expected for the first quarter of 2022.{{cite web|title=The A321-200 SDF advantage|url=https://www.sinedraco.com/a321-200-sdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023191116/https://www.sinedraco.com/a321-200-sdf|archive-date=23 October 2021|access-date=23 October 2021|website=sinedraco.com}}

On 15 March 2022, Lufthansa Cargo started to operate its A321F, a cargo variant of the A321.{{Cite web |title=A321F - Lufthansa Cargo |url=https://lufthansa-cargo.com/fleet-ulds/fleet/a321f |access-date=17 March 2022 |website=lufthansa-cargo.com}}

Operators

{{Main|List of Airbus A320 family operators}}

{{as of|2025|3}}, 3,376 Airbus A321 aircraft (1702 ceo+1674 neo) were in service with more than 100 operators. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate the largest A321 fleets of 298 and 200 aircraft, respectively.

=Orders and deliveries=

{{See also|List of Airbus A320 orders}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; font-size:96%;"
rowspan=2 | Typecolspan="2"|Orderscolspan="12" |Deliveries
TotalBacklogTotal

!2025

2024202320222021202020192018201720162015
A321ceo

|1,784||—||1,784

|—||—||—||—||22||9||38||99||183||222||184

A321neo

|6,991||5,317||1,674

|65||361||317||264||199||178||168||102||20||—||—

(A321)

|(8,775)||(5,317)||(3,458)

|(65)||(361)||(317)||(264)||(221)||(187)||(206)||(201)||(203)||(222)||(184)

class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; font-size:96%;"
rowspan=2 | Typecolspan="21"|Deliveries
201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997199619951994
A321ceo

||150||102||83||66||51||87||66||51||30||17||35||33||35||49||28||33||35||22||16||22||16

A321neo

||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—

(A321)

||(150)||(102)||(83)||(66)||(51)||(87)||(66)||(51)||(30)||(17)||(35)||(33)||(35)||(49)||(28)||(33)||(35)||(22)||(16)||(22)||(16)

Data {{as of|2025|3|lc=y}}{{cite web |url=http://www.airbus.com/fileadmin/media_gallery/files/reports_results_reviews/Summary_Historial_Orders_Deliveries_1974-2009.xls |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223223239/http://www.airbus.com/fileadmin/media_gallery/files/reports_results_reviews/Summary_Historial_Orders_Deliveries_1974-2009.xls |archive-date=23 December 2010 |title = Historical Orders and Deliveries 1974–2009 |work=Airbus S.A.S. |date=January 2010 |format=Microsoft Excel |access-date=10 December 2012}}

Accidents and incidents

{{Main|Accidents and incidents involving the Airbus A320 family}}

For the Airbus A321, 32 aviation accidents and incidents have occurred,[http://aviation-safety.net/database/types/Airbus-A321/database Airbus A321 occurrences] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831174642/http://aviation-safety.net/database/types/Airbus-A321/database |date=31 August 2017 }}. Aviation Safety, 3 October 2017. including six hull-loss accidents or criminal occurrences with a total of 377 fatalities as of August 2019.[http://aviation-safety.net/database/types/Airbus-A321/losses Airbus A321 hull-loss occurrences] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831214536/http://aviation-safety.net/database/types/Airbus-A321/losses |date=31 August 2017 }}. Aviation Safety, 3 October 2017.[http://aviation-safety.net/database/types/Airbus-A321/statistics A321 accident statistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831174354/http://aviation-safety.net/database/types/Airbus-A321/statistics |date=31 August 2017 }}. Aviation Safety, 3 October 2017.

Specifications

{{sticky header}}

class="wikitable sortable sticky-header" style="text-align:center"
Variant

! A321

! A321neo{{cite web |url= http://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corporate-topics/publications/backgrounders/Airbus-Family-Figures-booklet.pdf |publisher= Airbus |date= July 2017 |title= Airbus Family figures |access-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-date= 18 February 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180218232456/http://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corporate-topics/publications/backgrounders/Airbus-Family-Figures-booklet.pdf |url-status= live }}

!A321LR

!A321XLR

Cockpit crew

| colspan="4" | Two

2-class seats

| 185 (16F @ 36 in, 169Y @ 32 in){{cite web |url= https://fr.scribd.com/doc/30183955/All-About-Airbus-A-320-Family |title= All About the Airbus A320 Family |date= 2009 |publisher= Airbus |access-date= 17 November 2016 |archive-date= 11 September 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160911195001/https://fr.scribd.com/doc/30183955/All-About-Airbus-A-320-Family |url-status= live }}

| colspan="3" | 206 (16{{abbr|J|business}} @ 36{{nbsp}}in + 190{{abbr|Y|economy}} @ 30{{nbsp}}in){{cite web |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo-version |title= Airbus Launches Long-Range A321neo Version |publisher= Aviation Week |date= 13 January 2015 |access-date= 17 November 2016 |archive-date= 16 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180916072651/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbus-launches-long-range-a321neo-version |url-status= live }}

1-class max.

| 220 @ 28{{nbsp}}in{{cite web |title=A321ceo specs |url=https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a320-family/a321ceo.html |website=Airbus |access-date=21 February 2020 |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306140911/https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a320-family/a321ceo.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Airbus indicates potential for 240-seat A321neo |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airbus-indicates-potential-for-240-seat-a321neo/113022.article |access-date=21 February 2020 |work=Flight Global |date=24 April 2014 |language=en |archive-date=21 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221224259/https://www.flightglobal.com/airbus-indicates-potential-for-240-seat-a321neo/113022.article |url-status=live }}

| 220 @ 28{{nbsp}}in (Original)
244 @ 28{{nbsp}}in (Cabin-Flex){{cite web |url= http://www.ausbt.com.au/airbus-reveals-new-a320neo-layout |title= Airbus reveals new A321neo layout: New 'Cabin-Flex' and larger doors |publisher= Australian business traveller |date= 13 June 2014 |access-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-date= 22 August 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160822114327/http://www.ausbt.com.au/airbus-reveals-new-a320neo-layout |url-status= live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=A320 Family - The most successful aircraft family {{!}} Airbus |url=https://aircraft.airbus.com/en/aircraft/a320-family |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=aircraft.airbus.com |language=en}}

| colspan="2" | 244 @ 28{{nbsp}}in

Cargo capacity

| colspan="4" | {{cvt|51.70|m3}} / 10×LD3-45s{{efn|no additional centre tank}}

Length

| colspan="4" | {{cvt|44.51|m|ft|0}}

Wingspan

| colspan="4" | {{cvt|35.80|m|ftin}}{{Efn|with sharklets}}

Wing

| colspan="4" | {{cvt|122.4|m2|ft2}} area, 25° sweep{{cite web |url= http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780340741528/appendices/data-a/table-1/table.htm |title= Airbus Aircraft Data File |publisher= Elsevier |work= Civil Jet Aircraft Design |date= July 1999 |access-date= 17 November 2016 |archive-date= 27 January 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170127184436/http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780340741528/appendices/data-a/table-1/table.htm |url-status= live }}

Height

| colspan="4" | {{cvt|11.76|m|ft}}

Fuselage

| colspan="4" | {{cvt|3.95 by 4.14|m|ft}} width × height, {{cvt|3.70|m|ft}} wide cabin

Max. takeoff weight

| colspan="2" | {{cvt|93.5|t|lb}}

|{{cvt|97|t|lb|sigfig=4}}

|{{cvt|101|t|lb|sigfig=3}}

Max. payload

| {{cvt|{{#expr:73.8-48.5}}|t|lb}}

| colspan="3" | {{cvt|25.5|t|lb

2}}{{rp|3-2-1}}
Op. empty weight

| {{cvt|48.5|t|lb|sigfig=3}}

| colspan="3" | {{cvt|{{#expr:75.6-25.5}}|t|lb

2}}
Fuel capacity

| {{cvt|24050

30030|L|USgal}}

| {{cvt|23490

29474|L|USgal}}{{efn|0–2 additional centre tank{{cite web |url= https://www.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta136/files/2021-11/Airbus-Commercial-Aircraft-AC-A321.pdf|title= A321 aircraft characteristics - airport and maintenance planning |publisher= Airbus |date= 1 February 2019 |access-date= 18 February 2024 |archive-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190327183744/https://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corporate-topics/publications/backgrounders/techdata/aircraft_characteristics/Airbus-Commercial-Aircraft-AC-A321.pdf |url-status= live }}}}

|{{cvt|23490

32853|L|USgal}}{{efn|0–3 additional centre tank}}

|{{cvt|32940|L|USgal}}

Engines (×2)

| CFM56-5B, {{cvt|68.3|in|m}} fan
IAE V2500-A5, {{cvt|63.5|in|m}} fan

| colspan="3" | CFM LEAP-1A, 78 in (1.98 m) fan
PW1100G-JM, 81 in (2.06 m) fan

Max. thrust (×2)

| {{cvt|133

142.34|kN}}

| colspan="3" | {{cvt|143.05

147.28|kN}}
Speed

| colspan="4" | Cruise: {{cvt|0.78|Mach|altitude_ft=35,000|knots km/h mph|0}}{{cite web |title= Airbus A320neo Technology |url= http://www.airbus.com/aircraftfamilies/passengeraircraft/a320family/technology-and-innovation/ |publisher= Airbus |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160403132507/http://www.airbus.com/aircraftfamilies/passengeraircraft/a320family/technology-and-innovation/ |archive-date= 3 April 2016 }}
Max.: {{cvt|0.82|Mach|altitude_ft=35,000|knots km/h mph|0}}

Ceiling

| colspan="4" | {{cvt|39100

39800|ft}}{{cite web |url= https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/TCDS_EASA%20A%20064_%20Airbus_%20A318_A319_A320_A321_Iss_38.pdf |title= Type Certificate Data Sheet |publisher= EASA |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043250/https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/TCDS_EASA%20A%20064_%20Airbus_%20A318_A319_A320_A321_Iss_38.pdf |archive-date= 6 March 2019 |url-status= dead }}
Typical range

| {{cvt|3,200|nmi|sigfig=3}}{{efn|sharklets, typical passengers and bags}}

| style="text-align:left" | {{cvt|3,500|nmi|sigfig=3}}{{cite web |url=https://aircraft.airbus.com/en/aircraft/a320/a321xlr |publisher= Airbus |title= Airbus A321XLR |access-date= 12 July 2023 }}

|{{cvt|4,000|nmi|sigfig=3}}{{efn|with 206 passengers}}

|{{cvt|4,700|nmi|sigfig=3}}

= Engines =

{{sticky header}}

class="wikitable sortable sticky-header" style="text-align: center;"
Aircraft modelCertification dateEnginesTake-off thrustMax. continuous
A321-11127 May 1994CFM56-5B1{{cvt|133.44|kN}}{{cvt|129.40|kN}}
A321-11215 February 1994CFM56-5B2 or 5B2/P{{cvt|137.89|kN}}{{cvt|129.40|kN}}
A321-13117 December 1993IAE V2530-A5{{cvt|133.00|kN}}{{cvt|119.88|kN}}
A321-21120 March 1997CFM56-5B3 or 5B3/P or 5B3/2P{{cvt|142.34|kN}}{{cvt|129.40|kN}}
A321-21231 August 2001CFM56-5B1 or 5B1/P or 5B1/2P{{cvt|133.44|kN}}{{cvt|129.40|kN}}
A321-21331 August 2001CFM56-5B2 or 5B2/P{{cvt|137.89|kN}}{{cvt|129.40|kN}}
A321-23120 March 1997IAE V2533-A5{{cvt|140.55|kN}}{{cvt|119.88|kN}}
A321-23231 August 2001IAE V2530-A5{{cvt|133.00|kN}}{{cvt|119.88|kN}}
A321-251N15 December 2016CFM LEAP-1A32{{cvt|143.05|kN}}{{cvt|119.88|kN}}
A321-252N18 December 2017CFM LEAP-1A30{{cvt|143.05|kN}}{{cvt|119.88|kN}}
A321-253N3 March 2017CFM LEAP-1A33{{cvt|143.05|kN}}{{cvt|119.88|kN}}
A321-271N15 December 2016PW1133G-JM{{cvt|147.28|kN}}{{cvt|145.81|kN}}
A321-272N23 May 2017PW1130G-JM{{cvt|147.28|kN}}{{cvt|145.81|kN}}
A321-251NX22 March 2018CFM LEAP-1A32{{cvt|143.05|kN}}{{cvt|119.88|kN}}
A321-252NX22 March 2018CFM LEAP-1A30{{cvt|143.05|kN}}{{cvt|119.88|kN}}
A321-253NX22 March 2018CFM LEAP-1A33{{cvt|143.05|kN}}{{cvt|119.88|kN}}
A321-271NX22 March 2018PW1133G-JM{{cvt|147.28|kN}}{{cvt|145.81|kN}}
A321-272NX22 March 2018PW1130G-JM{{cvt|147.28|kN}}{{cvt|145.81|kN}}

See also

{{Portal|Aviation}}

{{aircontent

|related=

|similar aircraft=

|lists=

}}

Notes

{{Notelist}}

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category}}

  • [http://www.airbus.com/aircraftfamilies/passengeraircraft/a320family/a321/ Official website]

{{Airbus aircraft}}

{{Airbus A3xx timeline}}

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