India – On the sidelines of Wings India 2026, Air India announced the conversion of 15 Airbus A321neo orders to the latest-generation A321XLR variant.

• The A321XLRs are part of Air India’s landmark 2023–2024 order of 300 single-aisle Airbus aircraft, and this conversion applies to 15 of the 210 A321neo aircraft originally ordered.

• Deliveries of the A321XLRs are scheduled to begin between 2029 and 2030, enabling non-stop international operations on medium-haul routes with single-aisle economics.

• The A321XLR offers a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km) and enhanced fuel efficiency, helping airlines open new point-to-point routes while optimising costs and emissions.

• This latest fleet update comes as Air India accelerates toward building one of the world’s youngest fleets, with 542 new aircraft pending delivery, including 344 from Airbus, to support India’s growing aviation demand.

Statements

• “The strategic conversion of a portion of our single-aisle Airbus aircraft orders to the A321XLR is in line with our effort of positioning Air India for the future,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India.

• “The A321XLR is proving to be a revenue generator by boosting frequencies, managing seasonality, and optimising capacity on medium-haul routes,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Commercial Aircraft Sales, Airbus.

Source: Air India
Photo Credit: Air India