Wizz hints at long-haul expansion after confirming new aircraft order
Budget carrier Wizz Air has confirmed orders for 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft to be delivered from 2023 to 2026.
The A321s, which can fly further than any other narrow-bodied aircraft, will extend the reach of the central and eastern European low-cost airline, which operates flights from Luton and seven regional airports in the UK.
While the airline currently flies on routes of up to six hours in length, the new aircraft will allow it to fly to destinations up to eight hours away, including transatlantic.
Wizz said the A321xLR will have 239 seats, the same as its A321neo so they can be used on its existing network.
Completion of the order is subject to approval by Wizz Air shareholders.
"The A321XLR is the most cost efficient aircraft of its type and represents a significant opportunity for Wizz Air to further expand its network and connect points on the WIZZ map that are currently out of reach, given the enhanced range capability of the aircraft," said CEO Jozsef Varadi.
"Today, we are flying a number of five to six hour routes with great satisfaction to our customers, so the XLR will extend our outstanding value and service proposition on routes of seven to eight hours of flying."
The lower operating costs of the A321XLR will also widen the airline’s competitive advantage, claimed Varadi, and stimulate demand for air travel in central and eastern Europe ‘and beyond’.
Today’s announcement brings Wizz Air’s outstanding firm orders with Airbus to 276 aircraft.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026