The A321XLR and the passenger experience 

Iberia recently completed the world’s first passenger flight with the Airbus A321XLR, touching down at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Airbus had reported that on Thursday 5 October, the A321XLR successfully completed its ‘early passenger flight’ demonstration with 167 employees acting as passengers. There were also 22 experts and 11 Airbus Flight Test and cabin crew members on board.

It further reported that the A321XLR was powered with 30 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel, demonstrating action towards achieving the aviation sector’s emissions reduction goals including in Airbus flight test activities. All Airbus aircraft today are, according to Airbus, already certified to fly with up to 50 percent sustainable aviation fuel on board.

The voice of the customers started with the employee experience on board as the passengers were invited to answer a survey about the visual aspects of the cabin, as well as temperature and noise levels. They were asked to test out various cabin systems, including the air conditioning, lighting, galleys, electrics, washrooms and water waste systems. Ergonomic aspects were also assessed, such as how easy or hard it is to load and unload the new overhead bins.

Data and information are useful in analysing the experience planned for the customer against that experienced by the customer. Not only did they carry out a perception survey, the 22 experts on board took the opportunity to take direct ‘spot’ measurements of acoustic levels and cabin temperature. Crew noise exposure was recorded, especially around the area of the main entrance door. The new Airspace cabin elements were also tested for any vibrations or resonance during different flight phases. The aim is to ensure that the systems are working as expected.

According to Airbus: “The A321XLR is the next step in the evolution of the single-aisle A320neo Family, meeting market demand for increased range and payload on longer routes. The A321XLR will deliver an unprecedented range for single-aisle aircraft, of up to 4,700nm (8,700 km), with 30 percent lower fuel consumption per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise.”

In describing the new plane, it, from the outside, looks like any of its shorter-range siblings from the A320neo family – including the long-range A321LR – although an underbelly bulge behind the wings conceals a high-capacity fuel tank to boost its range to a staggering 8,700km, or up to 11 hours of flying in a standard airline configuration. 

It is reported that Airbus wants the A321XLR to deliver the same passenger experience as its larger twin-aisle cousins. With the same Airspace design in the cabin, the look and feel of the A321XLR cabin is similar to that of the wide-bodies; having fitted the A321XLR with a slightly wider cabin, compared to the competing Boeing 737, that enables a passenger to have pretty much the same seat width as on a wide-body aircraft.

Flying in economy, it’s an 18-inch-wide seat. And in business, there are reports of 321LR customers putting in lie-flat seats; and, even on the XLR, the lead customer Iberia has been reported to have already announced that they’re installing fully lie-flat seats at the front of the cabin.

Another airline is reported to be installing domestic–grade business class recliners on its first A321XLRs, the airline is said to be considering lie-flat beds for a second tranche of jets which will mainly be flown on international routes.

Also, the A321XLR’s generously sized overhead bins enable every passenger to take a roller bag on board. This reduces the anxiety of passengers as they ensure that their bags are not far from them. Reports say that though these plus-sized bins are optional – airlines can also choose standard-sized bins. 

The plane is cited as having the quietest single-aisle in the market as passengers on the A321XLR will not  have to put up with the loud droning thrum of engines. This is important when a passenger has to spend up to eleven hours in the cabin. 

LED mood lighting is a feature which is vital during long flights. Customizable across 16.2 million colours, it allows airlines “to programme the intensity and the colour of the light according to the flight segment” and help take the edge off jet-lag, say reports. 

For the A321XLR’s windows, there is a more curved shape around the window itself, which makes it easier for passengers to look outside the window. This gives the perception that the window is bigger just by the fact that there is now more space around the window frame.

A reported concern voiced by many frequent business class travellers is how the limited kitchen galley space on this single-aisle plane will impact meal service – especially the provision of a second full meal closer to the travel destination. In addressing this concern, the airline said it made sure that there is galley space that’s adequate to serve the two full meals that travellers expect on an 11-hour flight.

Presently, the A320neo Family has accumulated more than 9,700 orders from over 130 customers worldwide. A321XLR orders stand at more than 500 from over 20 customers. The world looks forward to the new plane delivering on the passenger experience they expect.

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