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| QANTAS AIRBUS A321-271XLR VH-OGC (MSN 12594) |
With so many passengers packed in, lines for the few lavatories can stretch far down the aisle, blocking movement for anyone that wants to stand up and move around. Early Qantas layouts, for instance, had just one bathroom for every 90 economy passengers. And since most airlines funnel everyone—business class included—through a single forward door and the same narrow aisle, boarding and moving around ends up much slower and more frustrating than on bigger twin aisle planes.
Unlike wide-body jets like the A350 or 787, where passengers can stroll in loops through two aisles, the A321XLR has just a single, narrow aisle. Spending 10–12 hours in such a confined space can cause noticeable claustrophobia and restless leg discomfort. Although it’s advertised with a 4,700nm range, some airlines, such as Iberia, have reported real-world ranges closer to 3,920nm in standard layouts, occasionally requiring offloading of baggage or blocking seats on long westbound flights to combat headwinds.
- Range: 4,700 nmi / 8,700 km
- Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW): 101.5 tonnes
- Maximum Seating: 244 passengers
- Typical Seating (2-Class): 182-220 passengers
- Length: 44.51 m
- Wingspan: 35.80 m
- Engines: Options include CFM LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM
- Fuel Capacity: 36,419 Litres (approx.)
- Entry into Service: 6th of November 2024 (with Iberia)
- Rear Centre Tank (RCT): A permanent structural tank that holds 12,900 liters of additional fuel.
- Reinforced Structure: Higher MTOW and modified landing gear to support the increased weight.
- Cabin Upgrades: Features the Airspace cabin design for enhanced passenger comfort, including larger overhead bins.
- Efficiency: Offers roughly 20% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation competitors.
