Industry Qatar Airways selects A321LR

The carrier´s initial order included 50 Airbus A321neos. Now, Qatar Airways has decided to convert ten of the 50 to the longer-range version of the family. Airbus´ A321LR offers extra fuel tanks and has a higher MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight).

With the A321LR, Qatar Airways seeks to connect its Doha hub with new markets that are currently unable to reach with the A320ceo and A320neo family. Moreover, the A321LR will be operated on routes that not necessarily require wide-body aircraft.

Due to the versatility of the A321LR, Qatar Airways can use the aircraft on current routes as well, if additional frequencies are required. The carrier said that the LR would give passengers more choice and flexibility when they travel.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “We have reassessed the requirements of our fleet and determined that the A321LR will bring the additional capability and range to our existing portfolio of aircraft types that we require to successfully support our global route expansion. Based on this analysis we have agreed with Airbus that we will convert 10 of our 50 A321neo on order to the longer range A321LR, the first of which will be delivered in 2020.”

Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Christian Scherer, said: “The A321LR will add a new level of flexibility to Qatar Airways’ operations. The aircraft will support the airline to better serve its existing network while equally accessing new long-haul markets with optimal performance and efficiency.”

With a range of up to 4,00nm (7,400km), the A321LR is able to fly longer routes than comparable aircraft in its class. As the latest member of the industry-leading A320neo Family, the LR offers superior wide-body comfort on single-aisle, stated Airbus. The manufacturer has already delivered the first A321LR to launch customer Arkia Israeli Airlines in November last year.

Qatar Airways is the flag carrier of the State of Qatar and currently operates with a fleet of 224 aircraft. Airbus A320ceos, A330s, A340-600s, A350s, A380s, Boeing B777s and B787s belong to the fleet. 160 destinations across the globe are being served. In 2019, Qatar Airways seeks to add Isfahan, Iran and Valletta to its ever-growing route portfolio.