Aer Lingus will not, now, be the launch customer of Airbus’ new super long-range, more fuel-efficient plane, with IAG set to allocate its first delivery of the jets to one of its other airlines.
Aer Lingus was set to be the first recipient of the new A321-XLR plane, with it in line to get 6 of the 14 planes its parent IAG has on order (with the remaining 8 due for stablemate Iberia).
IAG owns Aer Lingus, Iberia, Vueling, British Airways and Level.
Aer Lingus was set to score a major coup by scoring the first of the new planes, which would have significantly boosted its long haul and sustainable travel credentials. It was reported, in February, that Aer Lingus’ EI flight code had been included in the first A321-XLR airframe off the factory floor in Hamburg and that the first commercially-ready jet had included the Aer Lingus livery.
The XLR in the plane’s title refers to (e)xtra long range and the new plane is able to fly up to 4,700 nautical miles, which is about 5,400 standard miles, without having to refuel. It will also cater for up to 220 passengers and burn 30% less fuel.
IAG has now said it will allocate the planes initially bound for Aer Lingus elsewhere in its group – meaning they could go to British Airways, Vueling, Level, or boost the original number bound for Iberia.
The reason for the change of mind was that IAG did not want to allocate the planes to Aer Lingus while the airline’s pay dispute with pilots was ongoing.
According to The Irish Times, IAG decided to send the planes elsewhere if the pay dispute wasn’t resolved by April 29.
“Unfortunately, Aer Lingus was not able to give IAG the cost structure assurances necessary for this investment and so the inaugural A321 XLR – originally planned for Aer Lingus – will be allocated elsewhere in the group,” The Irish Times’ Barry O’Halloran quoted IAG management as saying.
