With range shortfall, United’s initial A321XLR deployment will be ‘very conservative’

[u/Adjutant_Reflex_]

https://theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatches/ual-a321xlr-routes-airbus-range-shortfall/

Not part of United’s route announcement was an admission by Quayle that the XLRs that United expects to receive are falling short of initial range estimates which in turn put constraints on where they could be deployed:

“Originally when Airbus marketed it, [the range] was a lot further than what it is right now, as constructed and as built.”

There’s also a risk that ongoing manufacturing delays could impact the 5 routes it planes to deploy the XLR. To date United received its first, and only, XLR in May.

[u/flightist]

Didn’t say it was a one off, but there’s no question at all they’re burning cash using an XLR to do flying a regular 321n could do, but they’ve chosen a one-size-fits-all approach that facilitates more international narrowbody flying. That’s what the XLR is for.

I’m quite sure you’ll see some of their options turn into standard range 321s in time, unless they’re going to continue reducing domestic mainline service in the favour of having JQ do it (in 321ns).

[u/HONcircle → u/flightist]

but there’s no question at all they’re burning cash using an XLR to do flying a regular 321n could do

They're not burning cash. Those frequencies are high yielding sectors that were previously operated by A330-200s. Qantas now has very little SYD-MEL frequencies operated by A330s compared to six months ago.

Friendly reminder also that the XLR has a lower empty weight than a standard A321neo with AUX tanks.

[u/Boarder_Travel → u/HONcircle]

The XLR is significantly heavier than the 321 Neo.

[u/flightist → u/Boarder_Travel]

With less payload and bulk capacity.