Wizz Air receives maiden XLR
(Photo Key-Robert Veitch)
WIZZ AIR finally got its hands on the first of its 47 Airbus A321XLRs in a handover at the manufacturer’s Hamburg/Finkenwerder facility on May 20, with Airliner World among the invited guests.
The aircraft, G-XLRA (c/n 11631), is the first of two that will be based at London/Gatwick, with the second, G-XLRB (c/n 12437) due for delivery in mid-2025. As well as being the airline’s first XLR and the first of the type to be based in the UK, it is also the first XLR delivered to a low-cost carrier and the first powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. Speaking at the ceremony, Owain Jones, Wizz Air’s chief corporate officer said: “The arrival of our first A321XLR is a defining moment for Wizz Air and our passengers. This aircraft is one of the great results of our two decades-long successful co-operation with Airbus that brings a revolution to air travel, enabling us to offer non-stop intercontinental routes at unbeatable prices while maintaining our commitment to efficiency and sustainability.”