Aer Lingus missed a deadline to decide on painting a new Airbus A321XLR in its livery last Sunday due to a pilot pay dispute, with negotiations at the Labour Court ongoing.
Tail painting has been completed and engines signalled on the new aircraft, intended for use on Aer Lingus’ Dublin-Minneapolis St Paul route.
IAG ordered 14 A321XLR aircraft in 2019, with Aer Lingus set to receive six, but delivery will be impacted by the unresolved pilot pay dispute and the airline may not serve as the launch customer if the issue persists.
A321XLR offers a range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700km), 30pc more fuel efficiency and a capacity of 180-220 passengers. Aer Lingus was initially due to take delivery of three of the jets in 2025 and two in 2026 bit said that two of would be delivered this year ion a recent update.
