Tel Aviv-based Arkia Israeli Airlines has taken delivery of its first A321LR, becoming the launch operator of the new Airbus single-aisle long-ranger.
Tel Aviv-based Arkia Israeli Airlines, which is majority owned by Jordache Enterprises, has taken delivery of its first A321LR, becoming the launch operator of the neewest and longest-range member of the A320 family.
The LR variant of the A321neo allows operators to fly Long Range (LR) operations of up to 4,000nm (7,400km), opening up new long-haul markets which were not previously accessible with single-aisle aircraft.
Powered by CFM LEAP engines, Arkia’s A321LR fleet will be configured with 220 seats in a single-class layout.
The A321LR, which made its maiden flight on 31st January, claims to offer the longest range of any single-aisle commercial aircraft today. The LR includes an extra (third) auxiliary fuel tank, compared with the baseline A321neo, which can carry two auxiliary tanks.
Thanks to the Airbus Cabin Flex (ACF) concept, operators can outfit the A321LR in two-class configurations with full-flat seats or in a single-class layout capable of accommodating up to 240 passengers.
The first A321LR was initially planned for delivery to low cost carrier Primera Air, but the Danish airline went bankrupt in October.