Wizz Air welcomes its first European Airbus A321XLR

Wizz Air has announced the delivery of its Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the first of its kind to be registered in mainland Europe and the very first to operate under the Maltese flag.

In a press release, the airline said this milestone reinforces Wizz Air’s commitment to continuous innovation and marks a new chapter in the airline’s long-standing partnership with Airbus.

The Airbus A321XLR – the latest evolution in the A320neo family – represents a leap forward in terms of efficiency, reduction in emissions intensity, and passenger experience. With a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft, the A321XLR combines extended range with industry-leading operating economics.

Passengers flying with Wizz Air Malta’s A321XLR will benefit from:

● A modern, spacious cabin offering enhanced comfort

● Access to a more efficient fleet supporting punctual operations

● Lower fares driven by superior fuel efficiency

● A significantly reduced carbon footprint per seat

The aircraft is registered to Wizz Air Malta, further strengthening Malta’s strategic role within the Group and underscoring Wizz Air’s long-term investment in the country’s aviation sector.

Mauro Peneda, Managing Director of Wizz Air Malta, commented: “Welcoming the A321XLR into our fleet is a proud moment for Wizz Air Malta. It demonstrates our commitment to operating one of the youngest, most modern, and sustainable fleets in the world. With the XLR, we continue to expand the boundaries of ultra low-cost travelling for our customers while reducing our environmental impact using the latest technology on the market.”

Charles Pace, DGCA Malta stated: “The Civil Aviation Directorate is pleased to see Wizz Air Malta take delivery of this new, modern aircraft, which will have a reduced carbon footprint and increase the range. This is indeed a milestone for Wizz Air Malta and the Malta Registry. Up till now there have been 114 aircraft registered by the company and there are currently 103 in operation. We would like to thank the dedicated staff for their ongoing work and commitment, as well as the Management of Wizz Air Malta, with whom we have established a strong and effective line of communication and mutual understanding”.

The delivery of this new aircraft is part of Wizz Air Group’s broader fleet renewal and expansion strategy. With six A321XLRs planned to join the fleet in 2025 alone and a total of 300 aircraft on order, Wizz Air continues to lead the industry in combining ultra-low-cost travel with cutting-edge aviation technology.

Equipped with state-of-the-art cabin features, the A321XLR strengthens Wizz Air’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and a customer-first approach across its network.

The delivery is in line with Customer First Compass initiative launched by the airline earlier this year that committed to €14 billion in investments over the next three years to support fleet expansion, service innovation, and continuous improvement of the travel experience - aimed at evolving the airline’s offering in line with passengers' needs and expectations.