Aer Lingus has operated the inaugural Airbus A321LR and Airbus A321XLR services to Ireland West Airport, marking the first appearance of both long-range narrowbody aircraft at the western Ireland gateway. The two-class 184-seat aircraft were deployed on a W-routing rotation operating Dublin–London Heathrow–Ireland West Airport–London Heathrow–Dublin on flights EIN156/915/916/161, substituting the 186-seat Airbus A320neo on the route.
Aer Lingus deployed the Airbus A321XLR on the route, with EI-XLX Airbus A321-253NY-XLR (MSN 12142) named “St Brendan” operating the service on 12 May and again on 24 May.
The first Airbus A321LR operation took place on 23 May and was operated by EI-LRF, an Airbus A321-253NX(LR) (MSN 10264) named “St Gelasius”.
The operation of the A321LR and A321XLR at Ireland West Airport highlights Aer Lingus’ increasing operational flexibility with the Airbus A321neo family, enabling the carrier to deploy next-generation A321LR and A321XLR aircraft across both North American and short-haul route networks as fleet operational requirements dictate.
Image Credit: Dub Ramp
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 26 2026 All Rights Reserved