Airbus's new A321XLR was showcased at AviaDev Africa 2024 and it could prove to be a solution for African aviation due to its long-haul capabilities and fuel efficiency, reports simpleflying.com .
According to Airbus's Global Market Forecast, Origin Destination passenger traffic in Africa will grow by 4,1% over the next 20 years, and intra-Africa traffic by 4,8%.
Additionally, it found that about 23% of the operational passenger aircraft on the continent are Airbus A220s, the A330neo, Embraer E2, Boeing 737 MAX, and Boeing 787.
The XLR will allow airlines to operate long-haul routes of up to eight and a half or nine hours with a smaller module. This could work for an airline that does not have or would not want to operate widebodies but still wants to offer a long-haul service,' Airbus Airline Marketing Director, Joep Ellers explained during a presentation at AviaDev.
Ellers also emphasised the benefits of flying this latest generation aircraft, including its modern fuel standards and affordability factor for operations during slower seasons.
