Greek carrier 
Aegean Airlines is the latest airline to commit to the Airbus A321XLR, with its sights set on flying direct from Athens to New Delhi and Mumbai as early as 2026. The Star Alliance carrier, which operates with a fleet of solely narrowbody aircraft, is looking to extend its reach, and the A321 is expected to be the perfect fit.
Announced by the airline on July 16, Aegean will look to acquire two Airbus A321neo XLR (extra long range) airplanes, which will allow flights of up to 10.5 hours from its home at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). This latest order will increase the total number of Airbus A320 and A321 airplanes ordered by Aegean to 60, including 36 that have already been delivered.
Direct To Delhi And Mumbai
Aegean is planning to expand its international presence, utilizing the A321XLR to launch direct flights to India, including five weekly flights from Athens to Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (DEL) from March 2026, and three weekly flights to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM) from May 2026. Schedules are yet to be confirmed, but tickets are expected to go on sale from September this year.
Onboard passengers will be treated to a low-density, two-class configuration, carrying just 138 passengers in total, spread across 24 business class suites, which will feature lie-flat beds and full aisle access. Economy class will be just a mere 114 seats, in a 3 by 3 configuration. Mr. Eftichios Vassilakis, AEGEAN Chairman, explained:
“The A321neo XLR and LR aircraft mark the beginning of a new chapter for AEGEAN, with new possibilities for growth but also new options for our passengers and the connectivity of our country. With new fleet capabilities, strong vertically integrated support infrastructure, and most importantly, drawing upon the creativity and strengths of our people, we plan to move forward with ambitious but also careful and consistent steps as always.”
Flights Further Afield On The Horizon
Future deliveries of up to four A321LR will see the airline expand its international footprint further from 2027 and 2028, with these new aircraft capable of planned to expand the carrier’s reach to destinations across Asia, Indian Ocean, and Africa. Destinations being considered include Bangalore (India), Mahe (Seychelles), Male (Maldives), Nairobi (Kenya), Almaty (Khazakstan), and Lagos (Nigeria).
Across the four A321LR and two A321XLR, seats are expected to be increasingly roomy, with more personal space and improved legroom. All passengers will be treated to a personal in-flight entertainment system, in-flight satellite WiFi, USB charging points, and extra-large overhead storage compartments.
With the A321XLR expected late 2025, and Airbus A321LR destined for arrival in 2027 – 2028, the new generation aircraft is integral to the airline’s expansion plans. An immediate upgrade to the product offering to destinations that extend outside the European Union will see the airline operate routes with a duration of far longer than the current four hours. This will provide new opportunities for passengers and connectivity across the country, and potential transit opportunities for travelers passing through Athens.
Related
Why Is The Airbus A321XLR So Highly Anticipated?
The aircraft entered commercial service in November 2024 and is expected to revolutionize long-haul flying.
Flying High With The A321neo XLR
Pushing the envelope of the Airbus A320neo single aisle family of aircraft, the A321XLR has a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles. With the ability to be configured in multiple seating layouts, it will be optimized to fly long-haul routes in niche markets. Including the latest Airspace cabin, with extra-large overhead bins, the long-haul passenger experience will see the latest in flight entertainment and connectivity.
Based on the popular A321neo, the aircraft includes a new permanent rear centre fuel tank, ensuring better fuel burn and lower CO2 emissions. Improved aerodynamics, and better handling performance have enabled the aircraft to appeal to many airlines looking to fly to new international markets, that cannot suffice wide-body point to point demand.
- Length
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146 ft 0 in (44.5 m)
- Wingspan
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117 ft 5 in (35.8 m)
- Height
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38 ft 7 in (11.8 m)
Several airlines are already flying the A321XLR, including Aer Lingus (such as direct from Dublin to Nashville), Iberia (Madrid to Boston), and Wizz Air UK (London to Jeddah). Qantas has also recently received its own domestically configured version, which will be put to work on transcontinental services across Australia’s red centre.
