The Airbus A321 is the largest member of the A320 family and a popular choice for medium- to long-haul routes. With a stretched fuselage, the A321 offers increased passenger capacity and greater range compared to its smaller siblings, the A318, A319, and A321. Introduced in 1994, the A321 shares the same fly-by-wire technology, cockpit layout, and systems as the A320, making it highly efficient for airlines that operate mixed fleets.

The A321 has evolved through multiple variants to meet the needs of both full-service and low-cost carriers, offering a flexible solution for routes with higher passenger demand.

Key Specifications (A321-200)

• Crew: 2 (Pilots).
• Capacity: Typically 185–220 passengers (up to 240 in high-density layout).
• Length: 44.51 m (146 ft 0 in).
• Wingspan: 34.10 m (111 ft 10 in) with Sharklets.
• Height: 11.76 m (38 ft 7 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): Up to 93,500 kg (206,000 lb).
• Engines: 2× CFM International CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.78 (~828 km/h or 514 mph).
• Range: ~5,930 km (3,680 mi).
• Ceiling: ~39,000 ft (11,900 m).

Notable Features

• Longest fuselage in the A320 family, providing more seating and cargo capacity.
• Fly-by-wire controls, ensuring smooth and responsive handling with advanced safety systems.
• Cockpit commonality with other A320 family aircraft, allowing easy crew transitions.
• Fuel-efficient design, with newer models incorporating Sharklets for reduced drag and improved fuel savings.
• Flexible configuration options, from low-cost airline layouts to more premium configurations for full-service carriers.

Variants

• A321-100 – Early model, offering less range and fewer options than the A321-200.
• A321-200 – The main production version with improved range and capacity.
• A321XLR – Extended Long Range variant with a range of up to 8,700 km (5,400 mi), designed for transcontinental and regional routes.
• A321neo – New engine option (LEAP-1A or PW1100G), offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and a range of up to 7,400 km (4,600 mi).

Operators & Usage

• Operated by airlines such as American Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.
• A key aircraft for low-cost carriers like easyJet and JetBlue, offering more seats while maintaining cost-effective operations.
• Often used for high-demand short- and medium-haul routes, as well as transcontinental flights.
• The A321XLR is expected to redefine long-haul narrow-body operations, with several carriers already planning to incorporate it into their fleets.