| A321 | |
|---|---|
 | |
_%25E2%2580%2598N915US%25E2%2580%2599_American_Airlines_(28442733186).jpg) An A321-200 ofAmerican Airlines, the largest operator | |
| General information | |
| Type | Narrow-bodyjet airliner |
| National origin | Multinational[a] |
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | American Airlines |
| Number built | 3,404 as of 31 January 2025[update][1] |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1992–2021 (A321ceo)2012–present (A321neo) |
| Introduction date | 27 January 1994 withLufthansa |
| First flight | 11 March 1993 |
| Developed from | Airbus A320 |
| Developed into | Airbus A320neo Airbus A321neo |
TheAirbus A321 is a member of theAirbus A320 family of short to medium range,narrow-body, commercial passengertwin enginejet airliners;[b] it carries 185 to 236 passengers. It has a stretched fuselage which was the first derivative of the baseline A320 and entered service in 1994, about six years after the original A320. The aircraft shares a commontype rating with all other Airbus A320-family variants, allowing A320-family pilots to fly the aircraft without the need for further training.
In December 2010, Airbus announced a new generation of the A320 family, theA320neo (new engine option).[2] The similarly lengthened fuselage A321neo variant offers new, more efficient engines, combined with airframe improvements and the addition ofwinglets (calledSharklets by Airbus). The aircraft delivers fuel savings of up to 15%. The A321neo carries up to 244 passengers, with a maximum range of 4,000 nmi (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) for the long-range version when carrying no more than 206 passengers.[3]
Final assembly of the aircraft takes place inHamburg, Germany,Mobile, Alabama, United States,Tianjin, China,[4] andToulouse, France.[5] As of January 2025[update], a total of 3,404 A321 airliners have been delivered, of which 3,323 are in service. In addition, another 5,209 A321neo aircraft are on firm order.American Airlines is the largest operator of the Airbus A321 with 301 examples in its fleet.[1]
The Airbus A321 was the first derivative of the A320, also known as theStretched A320,A320-500 andA325.[6][7] Its launch came on 24 November 1988, around the same time as the A320 entered service, after commitments for 183 aircraft from 10 customers were secured.[6][8]
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Themaiden flight of the Airbus A321 came on 11 March 1993, when theprototype, registration F-WWIA, flew withIAE V2500 engines; the second prototype, equipped withCFM56-5B turbofans, flew in May 1993. Lufthansa andAlitalia were the first to order the stretched Airbuses, with 20 and 40 aircraft requested, respectively. The first of Lufthansa's V2500-A5-powered A321s arrived on 27 January 1994, while Alitalia received its first CFM56-5B-powered aircraft on 22 March 1994.[9] The A321-100 entered service in January 1994 with Lufthansa.[10]
Final assembly for the A321 was carried out in Germany (then West Germany), a first for any Airbus.[11] This came after a dispute between the French, who claimed that the move would incur $150 million (€135 million) in unnecessary expenditure associated with the new plant,[6] and the Germans, who claimed that it would be more productive for Airbus in the long run. The second production line was located inHamburg, which later produced the smallerAirbus A319 andA318. For the first time, Airbus entered thebond market, through which it raised $480 million (€475 million) to finance development costs.[8] An additional $180 million (€175 million) was borrowed fromEuropean Investment Bank and private investors.[12]
The A321 is the largest variant of the A320 family.[13][3] The A321-200's length exceeds 44.5 m (146 ft), increasingmaximum takeoff weight (MTOW) to 93,000 kg (205,000 lb).[6] Wingspan remained unchanged, supplementing various wingtip devices. Two suppliers provided turbofan engines for the A321:CFM International with itsCFM56 andInternational Aero Engines with theV2500 engine, both in the thrust range of 133–147 kN (30,000–33,000 lbf).
Over 30 years since launch, the A321 MTOW grew by 20% from the 83 t (183,000 lb) -100 to the 101 t (223,000 lb)A321XLR, seating became 10% more dense with 244 seats, up by 24, and range doubled from 2,300 to 4,700 nmi (4,300 to 8,700 km; 2,600 to 5,400 mi).[14]By 2019, 4,200 had been ordered—one-quarter of all Airbus single-aisles—including 2,400 neos, one-third of allA320neo orders.[14]
The Airbus A321 is a narrow-body (single-aisle) aircraft with a retractable tricyclelanding gear, powered by two wing pylon-mounted turbofan engines. It is a low-wingcantilevermonoplane with a conventionaltail unit having a singlevertical stabilizer andrudder. Changes from the A320 include a fuselage stretch and some modifications to the wing. The fuselage was lengthened by a 4.27 m (14 ft 0 in) plug ahead of the wing and a 2.67 m (8 ft 9 in) plug behind it, making the A321 6.94 m (22 ft 9 in) longer than the A320.[3][13][6][15] The length increase required the overwing window exits of the A320 to be converted into door exits and repositioned in front of and behind the wings.[9] To maintain performance,double-slotted flaps and minortrailing edge modifications were included,[6] increasing the wing area from 124 m2 (1,330 sq ft) to 128 m2 (1,380 sq ft).[16] The centre fuselage andundercarriage were reinforced to accommodate a 9,600 kg (21,200 lb) increase in maximum takeoff weight, taking it to 83,000 kg (183,000 lb).[6]
The variants of A321ceo and A321neo family aircraft are mainly defined by its cabin layout and fuel configuration.
Airbus offers customers with only one fuel configuration with the A321-100.
Airbus offers customers with 3 different fuel configuration options with the A321-200: customers can select up to 2 auxiliary fuel tanks (ACT) in the after cargo hold.
Airbus offers customers with 4 different fuel configuration options with the standard A321neo: customers can select up to 1 auxiliary fuel tank (ACT) in the front cargo hold and up to 2 ACTs in the after cargo hold. The A321neo-ACF with 3 ACTs is exclusively branded as A321LR (Long Range).
Airbus offers customers with 2 different fuel configuration options with the A321XLR: customers can select up to 1 ACT in the front cargo hold.
| Marketing name | Cabin | Fuel config | Fuel capacity | Cargo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front | Rear | ||||
| A321-100 CFMI | STD | — | — | 18,880 kg (41,620 lb) | 10*LD3-45 |
| A321-100 IAE | 18,605 kg (41,017 lb) | 10*LD3-45 | |||
| A321-200 CFMI | — | 18,880 kg (41,620 lb) | 10*LD3-45 | ||
| 1ACT | 21,330 kg (47,020 lb) | 9*LD3-45 | |||
| 2ACT | 23,780 kg (52,430 lb) | 8*LD3-45 | |||
| A321-200 IAE | — | 18,605 kg (41,017 lb) | 10*LD3-45 | ||
| 1ACT | 21,055 kg (46,418 lb) | 9*LD3-45 | |||
| 2ACT | 23,505 kg (51,820 lb) | 8*LD3-45 | |||
| A321neo | STD | — | — | 18,440 kg (40,650 lb) | 10*LD3-45 |
| 1ACT | 20,890 kg (46,050 lb) | 9*LD3-45 | |||
| 2ACT | 23,340 kg (51,460 lb) | 8*LD3-45 | |||
| A321neo ACF | ACF | — | — | 18,510 kg (40,810 lb) | 10*LD3-45 |
| — | 1ACT | 20,960 kg (46,210 lb) | 9*LD3-45 | ||
| — | 2ACT | 23,410 kg (51,610 lb) | 8*LD3-45 | ||
| A321LR | 1ACT | 2ACT | 25,860 kg (57,010 lb) | 7*LD3-45 | |
| A321XLR | — | 1RCT | 28,753 kg (63,390 lb) | 8*LD3-45 | |
| 1ACT | 1RCT | 31,202 kg (68,789 lb) | 7*LD3-45 | ||
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The original derivative of the A321, the A321-100, had shorter range than the A320 because no extra fuel tank was added to compensate for the increased weight. The MTOW of the A321-100 is 83,000 kg (183,000 lb). The A321-100 entered service withLufthansa in 1994. Only about 90 were produced; a few were later converted to the A321-200 variant.[citation needed]
Airbus began development of the heavier and longer-range A321-200 in 1995 to give the A321 full-passenger transcontinental US range. This was achieved through higher thrust engines (V2533-A5 or CFM56-5B3), minor structural strengthening, and an increase in fuel capacity with the installation of one or two optional 2,990 L (790 US gal) tanks in the rear underfloor hold.[15] The additional fuel tanks increased the total capacity to 30,030 L (7,930 US gal). These modifications also increased the maximum takeoff weight of the A321-200 to 93,000 kg (205,000 lb). This variant first flew in December 1996, and entered service withMonarch Airlines in April 1997. The following month,Middle East Airlines received its first A321-200 in May 1997. Its direct competitors include the757-200 and the737-900/900ER.
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On 1 December 2010, Airbus launched theA320neo family (neo forNew Engine Option) with 500 nmi (930 km; 580 mi) more range and 15% betterfuel efficiency, thanks to newCFM International LEAP-1A orPratt & Whitney PW1000G engines and large sharklets.[18]The lengthened A321neo prototype made itsfirst flight on 9 February 2016.[19]It received its type certification on 15 December 2016.[20] The first entered service in May 2017 withVirgin America.[21]
In October 2014, Airbus started marketing a longer range 97 t (214,000 lb)maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) variant with three auxiliary fuel tanks, giving it 100 nmi (190 km; 120 mi) more operational range than aBoeing 757-200.[22]
Airbus launched the A321LR (Long Range) on 13 January 2015; it has a range of 4,000 nmi (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) with 206 seats in two classes.[23][24] On 31 January 2018, the variant completed its first flight.[25]
Airbus announced its certification on 2 October 2018.[26] On 13 November 2018,Arkia received the first A321LR.[27]
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The A321XLR is an A321LR variant with a further increased MTOW[28] intended to compete with theBoeing NMA,[29] which has since been put on hold.
The variant was launched at the June 2019Paris Air Show, with a range of 4,700 nmi (8,700 km; 5,400 mi). It included a new permanent Rear Centre Tank (RCT) for more fuel, a strengthened landing gear for a 101 t (223,000 lb) MTOW and an optimised wing trailing-edge flap configuration to preserve take-off performance.[30]
In June 2022, the A321XLR completed its first flight.[31]Iberia was scheduled to be the launch customer. The first A321XLR was delivered to Iberia on October 30, 2024.[32] The first flight with passengers was on November 6, 2024.[33][34] The first long-haul flight with passengers was on 14 November 2024, fromMadrid toBoston.[35]
While no freighter version of the A321 has been built new by Airbus, a first attempt of converting used A320/321 into freighter aircraft was undertaken by Airbus Freighter Conversion GmbH. The program, however, was canceled in 2011 before any aircraft were converted.[36]
On 17 June 2015,ST Aerospace signed agreements with Airbus and EFW for a collaboration to launch the A320/A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme.[37]The initial converted aircraft first flew on 22 January 2020. On 27 October 2020, the first A321-200P2F was delivered to launch operatorQantas Freight.[38]
The A321-200PCF is a passenger to freighter conversion, developed by Precision Conversions and certificated in 2021.
Sine Draco Aviation also offers an A321 passenger-to-freighter conversion programme; its first conversion is expected for the first quarter of 2022.[39]
On 15 March 2022,Lufthansa Cargo started to operate its A321F, a cargo variant of the A321.[40]
As of January 2025[update], 3,323 Airbus A321 aircraft (1703 ceo+1620 neo) were in service with more than 100 operators.[1]American Airlines andDelta Air Lines operate the largest A321 fleets of 301 and 196 aircraft, respectively.[1]
| Type | Orders | Deliveries | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Backlog | Total | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| A321ceo | 1,784 | — | 1,784 | — | — | — | — | 22 | 9 | 38 | 99 | 183 | 222 | 184 |
| A321neo | 6,829 | 5,209 | 1,620 | 11 | 361 | 317 | 264 | 199 | 178 | 168 | 102 | 20 | — | — |
| (A321) | (8,613) | (5,209) | (3,404) | (11) | (361) | (317) | (264) | (221) | (187) | (206) | (201) | (203) | (222) | (184) |
| Type | Deliveries | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | |
| A321ceo | 150 | 102 | 83 | 66 | 51 | 87 | 66 | 51 | 30 | 17 | 35 | 33 | 35 | 49 | 28 | 33 | 35 | 22 | 16 | 22 | 16 |
| A321neo | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| (A321) | (150) | (102) | (83) | (66) | (51) | (87) | (66) | (51) | (30) | (17) | (35) | (33) | (35) | (49) | (28) | (33) | (35) | (22) | (16) | (22) | (16) |
Data as of January 2025[update][1][41]
For the Airbus A321, 32aviation accidents and incidents have occurred,[42] including sixhull-loss accidents or criminal occurrences with a total of 377 fatalities as of August 2019.[43][44]
| Variant | A321[3] | A321neo[45] | A321LR | A321XLR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cockpit crew | Two | |||
| 2-classseats | 185 (16F @ 36 in, 169Y @ 32 in)[46] | 206 (16J @ 36 in + 190Y @ 30 in)[47] | ||
| 1-class max. | 220[48][49] | 240 @ 28 in[50] | ||
| Cargo capacity | 51.70 m3 (1,826 cu ft) / 10×LD3-45s[c] | |||
| Length | 44.51 m (146 ft) | |||
| Wingspan | 35.80 m (117 ft 5 in)[d] | |||
| Wing | 122.4 m2 (1,318 sq ft) area, 25° sweep[51] | |||
| Height | 11.76 m (38.6 ft) | |||
| Fuselage | 3.95 by 4.14 m (13.0 by 13.6 ft) width × height, 3.70 m (12.1 ft) wide cabin | |||
| Max. takeoff weight | 93.5 t (206,000 lb) | 97 t (213,800 lb) | 101 t (223,000 lb) | |
| Max.payload | 25.3 t (56,000 lb) | 25.5 t (56,200 lb)[52]: 3-2-1 | ||
| Op. empty weight | 48.5 t (107,000 lb)[46] | 50.1 t (110,500 lb) | ||
| Fuel capacity | 24,050–30,030 L (6,350–7,930 US gal) | 23,490–29,474 L (6,205–7,786 US gal)[e] | 23,490–32,853 L (6,205–8,679 US gal)[f] | 32,940 L (8,700 US gal) |
| Engines (×2) | CFM56-5B, 68.3 in (1.73 m) fan IAE V2500-A5, 63.5 in (1.61 m) fan | CFM LEAP-1A, 78 in (1.98 m) fan PW1100G-JM, 81 in (2.06 m) fan | ||
| Max.thrust (×2)[53] | 133–142.34 kN (29,900–32,000 lbf) | 143.05–147.28 kN (32,160–33,110 lbf) | ||
| Speed | Cruise: Mach 0.78 (450 kn; 833 km/h; 518 mph)[54] Max.: Mach 0.82 (473 kn; 876 km/h; 544 mph)[53] | |||
| Ceiling | 39,100–39,800 ft (11,900–12,100 m)[53] | |||
| Typical range | 3,200 nmi (5,930 km; 3,680 mi)[g] | 3,500 nmi (6,480 km; 4,030 mi)[55] | 4,000 nmi (7,410 km; 4,600 mi)[h] | 4,700 nmi (8,700 km; 5,410 mi) |
| Aircraft model | Certification date | Engines[53] | Take-off thrust | Max. continuous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A321-111 | 27 May 1994 | CFM56-5B1 | 133.44 kN (30,000 lbf) | 129.40 kN (29,090 lbf) |
| A321-112 | 15 February 1994 | CFM56-5B2 or 5B2/P | 137.89 kN (31,000 lbf) | 129.40 kN (29,090 lbf) |
| A321-131 | 17 December 1993 | IAE V2530-A5 | 133.00 kN (29,900 lbf) | 119.88 kN (26,950 lbf) |
| A321-211 | 20 March 1997 | CFM56-5B3 or 5B3/P or 5B3/2P | 142.34 kN (32,000 lbf) | 129.40 kN (29,090 lbf) |
| A321-212 | 31 August 2001 | CFM56-5B1 or 5B1/P or 5B1/2P | 133.44 kN (30,000 lbf) | 129.40 kN (29,090 lbf) |
| A321-213 | 31 August 2001 | CFM56-5B2 or 5B2/P | 137.89 kN (31,000 lbf) | 129.40 kN (29,090 lbf) |
| A321-231 | 20 March 1997 | IAE V2533-A5 | 140.55 kN (31,600 lbf) | 119.88 kN (26,950 lbf) |
| A321-232 | 31 August 2001 | IAE V2530-A5 | 133.00 kN (29,900 lbf) | 119.88 kN (26,950 lbf) |
| A321-251N | 15 December 2016 | CFM LEAP-1A32 | 143.05 kN (32,160 lbf) | 119.88 kN (26,950 lbf) |
| A321-252N | 18 December 2017 | CFM LEAP-1A30 | 143.05 kN (32,160 lbf) | 119.88 kN (26,950 lbf) |
| A321-253N | 3 March 2017 | CFM LEAP-1A33 | 143.05 kN (32,160 lbf) | 119.88 kN (26,950 lbf) |
| A321-271N | 15 December 2016 | PW1133G-JM | 147.28 kN (33,110 lbf) | 145.81 kN (32,780 lbf) |
| A321-272N | 23 May 2017 | PW1130G-JM | 147.28 kN (33,110 lbf) | 145.81 kN (32,780 lbf) |
| A321-251NX | 22 March 2018 | CFM LEAP-1A32 | 143.05 kN (32,160 lbf) | 119.88 kN (26,950 lbf) |
| A321-252NX | 22 March 2018 | CFM LEAP-1A30 | 143.05 kN (32,160 lbf) | 119.88 kN (26,950 lbf) |
| A321-253NX | 22 March 2018 | CFM LEAP-1A33 | 143.05 kN (32,160 lbf) | 119.88 kN (26,950 lbf) |
| A321-271NX | 22 March 2018 | PW1133G-JM | 147.28 kN (33,110 lbf) | 145.81 kN (32,780 lbf) |
| A321-272NX | 22 March 2018 | PW1130G-JM | 147.28 kN (33,110 lbf) | 145.81 kN (32,780 lbf) |
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