Aviation News – Air India has announced the conversion of 15 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders to the longer-range A321XLR variant, strengthening its narrowbody long-haul strategy. The move matters as the airline seeks to expand international reach and improve network flexibility from Indian hubs.
The order conversion was announced at Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad and forms part of Air India’s landmark Airbus agreements signed in 2023 and expanded in 2024. Those deals cover 50 A350 widebody aircraft and 300 A320 Family jets, including 210 A321neos, of which 15 will now be delivered as A321XLRs between 2029 and 2030, while 90 A320neos remain unchanged.
The A321XLR is designed to fly longer routes with lower fuel burn, allowing airlines to operate thinner long-haul markets more efficiently. For Air India, the aircraft can bolt extended range onto its single-aisle fleet, enabling direct connections between India and destinations in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East with improved economics.
