MILAN- Wizz Air (W6) plans to base its first Airbus A321XLR in Milan (MXP) and launch daily flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH) starting June 2, 2025.
This Milan Malpensa-Abu Dhabi Zayed International route will become Wizz Air’s longest service.
Wizz Air A321XLR
The new route will compete directly with Etihad Airways’ (EY) existing 10 weekly Boeing 787-9 flights. Wizz Air claims it will offer fares 70% lower than competitors.
CEO József Váradi highlights the A321XLR’s cost efficiency, stating it will extend Wizz Air’s ultra-low-cost model to 7-8 hour flights. The airline currently operates several 5-6 hour routes successfully.
The A321XLR’s 4,700 nm range enables airlines to operate long-haul routes with reduced fuel consumption and operating costs. The Milan-Abu Dhabi route, at 2,544 nm, will become Wizz Air’s longest, surpassing Rome-Abu Dhabi by 200 nm.
EASA certified the CFM Leap 1A-powered A321XLR in July. Certification for the Pratt & Whitney GTF version, which Wizz Air will use, is expected by year-end.
CEO Váradi plans to use the A321XLR for nonstop Europe-Asia flights and to develop Abu Dhabi as a connecting hub.
Wizz Air has ordered 47 A321XLRs, combining agreements from 2019 and 2021. The airline expects to receive eight A321XLRs in 2025.
Launch customer Iberia (IB) will deploy the A321XLR from Madrid to Boston starting November 14, with a Madrid-Washington Dulles route planned for mid-January. Over 500 A321XLRs have been ordered to date.
Eyes flights to India
Wizz Air targets the Indian market, aiming to connect European cities with Indian destinations at competitive prices. The carrier is discussing operations with Indian and European regulators.
Wizz Air plans to use Airbus A321XLR aircraft for non-stop services between Europe and India, with flight times of approximately 8-8.5 hours.
CEO Varadi aims for average one-way fares of around 200 euros, potentially dipping below 100 euros.
Pending regulatory approvals, Wizz Air expects to start India operations in the next financial year.
The airline plans to connect 6-7 major European cities with key Indian airports, capitalizing on increasing international traffic.
The European carrier serves a network of 194 destinations across 54 countries, offering approximately 930 routes as of 2023.
What are your thoughts on Wizz Air’s plans for Airbus A321XLR routes? Let us know in the comment section.
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