Pilotcenter.net News had the fantastic opportunity to be part of an exclusive launch event organized by renowned low-cost carrier Wizz Air in London in September 2024. The event was gracefully hosted by the airline’s CEO, József Váradi, who unveiled exciting news about the carrier's plans to introduce their brand new Airbus A321XLR long-range narrowbody aircraft on a fresh route connecting the UK and Saudi Arabia.

Initially scheduled to take off on March 31, 2025, the airline’s first Airbus A321XLR, registered as G-XLRA, was set to begin its service on the new route between London-Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Jeddah (JED) in Saudi Arabia, covering an impressive distance of 2,930 miles (4,688 km). However, an update shared on March 24, 2025, highlighted a slight delay in the delivery schedule as the aircraft was still at Airbus facilities in Hamburg. Consequently, the introduction of the Airbus A321XLR on the London-Jeddah route was postponed until April 10, 2025, giving Wizz Air extra time to prepare the aircraft for revenue service.

Despite the delay, passengers eagerly waiting for their journey on the advanced Wizz Air fleet were assured that the route launch would proceed as planned on March 31, 2025, utilizing one of the carrier's Airbus A321neos instead. While the A321neo shares similarities in size with the A321XLR, it lacks the additional fuel tanks and modifications required for the extended range. This will result in fewer passengers being accommodated on the replacement A321neo, allowing for increased fuel capacity and eliminating the need for a mid-flight refueling stop.

The decision to utilize the A321neo for eleven rotations to Jeddah might lead to some passengers being reshuffled due to weight restrictions, particularly on the westbound leg that faces challenges with high temperatures impacting take-off performance at Jeddah Airport. The airline is proactively reaching out to affected passengers, offering alternative booking options and addressing cancellations promptly to minimize any inconvenience caused.

The successful launch of the Gatwick to Jeddah route signifies a significant strategy shift in Wizz Air's route expansion plans, facilitated by the enhanced capabilities of the incoming Airbus A321XLR fleet. With an extended range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,704 km) and a maximum take-off weight of 101 metric tons, the A321XLRs are set to revolutionize the airline's operations. Following the inauguration of the London-Jeddah route with the Airbus A321XLR, the next phase will see the second aircraft commencing flights between Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) on June 2, 2025, with Gatwick to Medina-Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) scheduled to start on August 1, 2025. Each A321XLR will offer a high-density single-class layout accommodating 239 passengers.