Airbus has achieved a big milestone for its latest version of the now ubiquitous Airbus A321. The longer range edition of plane currently used for Hawaii flights by American, Delta, and Hawaiian AIrlines is about to get wings. The game-changing A321XLR we’ve written about previously, just received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on its way to U.S. regulators’ approval. This certification, has cleared the way for the aircraft’s entry into service there as soon as the next few months.
The A321XLR, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, offers longer-range capabilities. It will enable new, longer, direct Hawaii routes with far greater efficiency. Certification for a Pratt & Whitney engine version is expected to come later. The new plane promises to deliver an amazing 30% reduction in per seat fuel burn compared to previous generation planes. It is said to also features a new Airspace cabin for enhanced passenger comfort. Well, that’s what is promised.
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This certification marks a new and upcoming chapter for Hawaii flights, promising more direct routes from the U.S. mainland and potentially from international destinations, enhancing convenience for travelers and profits for airlines. The A321XLR’s long-range capability is set to revolutionize how airlines plan routes to Hawaii, making it possible for carriers like Frontier Airlines to offer new, non-stop service to the islands.
Impact on Hawaii travel – Frontier Hawaii flights planned.
Frontier Airlines has announced it would like to utilize the A321XLR for new routes to Hawaii, taking advantage of the aircraft’s extended range and fuel efficiency. This move, if successful, is expected to bring somewhat more competitive pricing and increased availability of direct flights, making it easier and more affordable for some travelers to reach the Hawaiian islands. Frontier Hawaii Flights Coming on New A321XLR.
American Airlines and United Airlines both have plans for A321XLR.
American Airlines and United Airlines have both outlined their plans to use the A321XLR for new routes, including likely ones to Hawaii. American Airlines, which is set to receive its first A321XLR soon, plans to utilize the aircraft for flights from their hubs at Dallas, Charlotte, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Chicago. That could include service to Hawaiian destinations including Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Kona. United Airlines, which has deliveries planned starting in 2025, aims to introduce the A321XLR on routes from their hubs at Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, and Washington D.C. Hawaii should soon be in the planes for some of those routes as well.
The A321XLR’s extended range and ultra-high efficiency make it ideal for these new routes, offering more direct and non-stop flights to Hawaii, often replacing wide-body planes, and significantly enhancing convenience for travelers. Both airlines plan to offer premium amenities on these flights, including lie-flat business seats and a true premium economy cabin, catering to the demand for more luxurious travel options.
A New but uncomfortable era in economy.
However, the introduction of the A321XLR also brings real concerns about passenger comfort. Similar to the A321neo, the A321XLR is a narrow-body aircraft, which can lead to a less comfortable experience for passengers, especially on even longer-haul flights to Hawaii than were previously possible using narrow-body planes. Unless passengers are able to fly in business class, or premium economy, where they can enjoy either lie-flat beds or traditional recliners, the extended range of the A321XLR may mean enduring longer flights in a far more confined space compared with widebody planes.
Replacing widebody aircraft on less trafficked routes
The A321XLR will replace widebody aircraft on routes that may not have sufficient traffic to justify the significantly greater expense associated with flying larger planes to Hawaii. This strategic move allows airlines to maintain desired cost efficiency while still offering direct flights to less frequented Hawaiian destinations.
Economic and environmental benefits
The A321XLR’s efficiency translates to significant economic benefits for Airlines and environmental benefits through less fuel consumed. With the promised 30% reduction in fuel burn, airlines can operate more sustainably and economically. This efficiency is crucial for their maintaining Hawaii as an attractive yet profitable destination while simultaneously addressing some of the environmental impacts of increased Hawaii tourism.
Looking ahead as the A321XLR prepares to enter service.
Travelers can look forward to more direct, efficient, and comfortable flights to the islands, while possibly dreading these flights if they are flying in economy. Airlines are likely to announce new routes and services reasonably soon, leveraging the capabilities of this next-generation aircraft to enhance their Hawaii flight offerings.
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What are the plans for Hawaiian Alaskan Airlines to use the 2787 dream liners they have on order?
321 too small. I wont fly it to Florida from Seattle or anywhere longer than 1.5 hours. All the plastic stuff in the seating area in 1st class makes it feel smaller than lower class seats on different planes. I book A330 to Hawaii from Seattle on delta and try to fly non US carriers to Hawaii when possible, fewer Americans, cleaner planes, better cabin attendants…..by Far.
you can totally avoid ‘americans’, by not flying to America.
I don’t understand why people have issues with the A321 to/from Hawaii. It’s far more comfortable than any 737 (NG or MAX) and safer. We have flown on the A321 a few times out of LAX to OGG and we’re very comfortable the entire time. Can’t want to see the A321XLR hit the market and destroy the unsafe and uncomfortable MAX
1st class factually has less seating area, less area below the seats than any other plane of comparable size, mostly 737, which i also don’t fly. I only book a330 on delta or when possible non US carriers, who usually fly large planes.
I am a frequent flier on Hawaiian Airlines. I will specifically look for flights as well as other airlines that offer a seats configuration with a two seat assignment. Just for me and my wife. We don’t want to sit in a row of three or four seat configuration. Sitting next to a stranger for 10 and that person stink real bad or a huge person that spills over onto our seat (yes that has happened to us) is intolerable. The A321XLR offers a configuration of 3 seats on the right and 3 seats on the left on the A321XLR. And it is going to be more uncomfortable on A321XLR. No Thanks.
We just arrived on Maui. Own a condo in a hotel zoned building on the water in Kihei so we come regularly. Our parking lot was very full. Flight from DEN was 100% full. Terminal was very busy and few rental cars in the lot available. Traffic was heavy and grocery store had lots of people. Locals were courteous and helpful. What slowdown????? Aloha spirit was strong.
Hotel rates are way up and visitor arrivals are down. Seems like the wrong environment to plan more capacity.
I will continue with Southwest because of the leg room unless these new planes have the same leg room, which I doubt
Southwest and legroom? What are you smoking?
I would rather swim to Hawaii then fly on a Frontier flight.
I have flown non-stop from Dallas to Maui on AA 787s and layover flights through LA on the A321neo. I found the seats of the A321 to be more comfortable than the 787. The seemed wider and better aligned. Now, maybe part of that feeling was due to the break of changing planes part way through, but in either event, neither is a good option. I have recently decided I cannot do regular economy on anything over 2 hours anymore!!!
You had me at “passenger comfort”. U.S. Airlines only care about the almighty dollar. I will never fly that aircraft. If they are implemented on Hawaii routes, look for more air rage. Frontier? I think not.
The A321 is the most uncomfortable plane I’ve been on. Not looking forward to this.
You must really enjoy the 737 then.
A New but uncomfortable era in economy, Oh My! This is not good news as I travel economy. But then again, I won’t be returning to the islands in the near future. It has been too stressful to read and learn all the more than pluses, the minuses!
Nope… Not flying any 321’s to Hawaii. CONUS routes, fine. To Hawaii. Not a chance. No widebody? I’ll take cruise first…
Best Regards
In the long run, I am afraid the A 330 wide body (my favorite plane to fly on) with the 2-4-2 layout is toast.
Hopefully, in the future, we can fly on the A 220 with the 2-3 layout.
That’s nice but it’s still probably going to be inferior (from a passenger’s perspective) to the Airbus A220. Delta operates dozens of them but not yet to the islands. Breeze is planning on starting up using the A/C. The ‘220 gets rave reviews for cabin comfort with more room and a 2×3 layout. It uses the same engine family and is very efficient. Enjoy.
I see that HA announced expanded/additional seasonal service over the 2024/2025 Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods – all to the Eskimo’s/AS hubs in SEA, SFO and HNL.
Sadly, none of the flights will be operated with HA’s 787’s. SFO and LAX will see the A330 widebody though.
The added LAX flight with the A330 has attractive flight times – an evening/dinner flight from LAX and a mid-morning departure from HNL.
By the time these extra flight sections operate – AS and Chester the eskimo will be firmly in control of HA.
Hello Airlines & Governor Green!
I am not looking forward to flying in these A321XLR’s, or any other plane that reduces space to even more intolerable levels. I will pay more, make stopovers, or shop around, despite my status with one airline, to avoid this type of “service”.
You have already gone too far compressing humans causing greater dissatisfaction, air rage, & injuries. This sounds like a deal breaker for Hawaii travel.
Mr. Governor, are you paying attention to this, in addition to all the other tourism issues your state has? I hope so.
Ditto!.. I may just add, I am Not returning to the islands until they straighten up their act….should i live so long!
What exactly do you think or expect Gov Green (or any governor) can do about the aircraft the airlines choose to use on their routes?
There used to be the old adage of either having it cheap or convenient (but not both!). Now we have to throw a third variable into the mix… comfort. You can now have only 2 of the 3 options.
Cheap and Convenient – but not comfortable
Flying the new A321 in economy, packed in like sardines.
Cheap and Comfortable – but not convenient
Flying larger aircraft, but having to connect via their hubs.
Comfortable and Convenient – but not cheap
Flying the new A321 in a premium cabin.