The new route will fly to Abu Dhabi once daily, with the first flight operating on 2 June 2025. The A321XLR has been chosen for its extended range capabilities, with the route’s flight time being over seven hours. The aircraft is also estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 30% compared to other carriers on the same routes.
“The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class and, given the enhanced range capability, it enables Wizz Air to connect the furthest destinations in its network and further expand it, connecting cultures and continents,” said József Váradi, Wizz Air’s Chief Executive Officer. We’re excited to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to Abu Dhabi while offering the most sustainable option for flying. We are already flying several 5-6 hour long ultra-low-cost routes with great satisfaction to our customers, and the XLR will extend our outstanding value proposition to 7-8 hour long flights.”
Wizz Air placed the order for 27 A321XLR in 2021, with the rest of the order expected to arrive between 2025 and 2027. The airline also ordered 75 Airbus A321neo aircraft in 2023.
“Wizz Air’s decision to operate the first A321XLR based in Italy from Milan Malpensa confirms the airport’s role as an ideal platform for the development of innovative business models,” said Armando Brunini, CEO of SEA Milan Airports. “This new type of aircraft will indeed allow us to diversify routes, increase capacity and seasonality of flights, and modify Malpensa’s offering on extended range routes. This development sets the stage for further growth in the airport’s non-European routes, consolidating its portfolio of air services, which includes 183 destinations in 78 countries.”
Photo: Wizz Air