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Airbus A321

The Airbus A321 is a narrow-body, twin-engine commercial jet airliner in the Airbus A320 family.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Airbus A321 is a narrow-body, twin-engine commercial jet airliner in the Airbus A320 family. It is the longest variant in the family’s original single-aisle line and entered service in 1994 with Lufthansa. The type is a short- to medium-range aircraft designed for commercial passenger service.

Development

The A321 was developed as a stretched version of the A320, with a longer fuselage and related airframe changes. It became the largest original single-aisle member of the A320 family.

Design and capacity

The aircraft is a narrow-body, twin-engine jet with a single aisle cabin. Seating varies by layout, with typical configurations around 170 to 220 passengers and maximum seating up to 236.

Variants

The A321 has been produced in several major versions, including the A321-100, A321-200, A321neo, A321LR and A321XLR. The neo family introduced updated engines and aerodynamic improvements.

Operational use

The A321 is used by airlines worldwide on short- and medium-haul routes, and newer versions extend its range for longer missions. It is commonly associated with high-density passenger service and efficient single-aisle operations.

Key facts

  • The A321 is the stretched, largest member of the original Airbus A320 single-aisle family.
  • It is a short- to medium-range aircraft designed for commercial passenger service.
  • The type entered service in 1994, with Lufthansa as an early customer.
  • Earlier A321 versions were powered by CFM56 or IAE V2500 engines.
  • The A321neo family introduced newer engines and sharklets for improved efficiency.
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Canadian context

Air Canada, WestJet and other Canadian carriers have operated Airbus A320-family aircraft, including A321 variants, on domestic and transborder routes. The type is relevant to Canadian aviation because it is a common medium-capacity aircraft for high-frequency North American service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Airbus A321?
It is a narrow-body, twin-engine commercial passenger jet in the Airbus A320 family.
When did the A321 enter service?
It entered service in 1994.
How many passengers can an A321 carry?
Typical seating is about 170–220 passengers, with maximum seating up to 236 depending on configuration.
What are the main A321 variants?
Major variants include the A321-100, A321-200, A321neo, A321LR and A321XLR.
What engines does the A321 use?
Earlier A321 variants used CFM56 or IAE V2500 engines; A321neo variants use PW1100G or LEAP-1A engines.
Is the A321 part of the A320 family?
Yes. It is the longest original single-aisle variant in the Airbus A320 family.

References

  1. Airbus — https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/commercial-aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a320-family/a321ceo
    Supports: Official manufacturer description of the A321ceo, including its place in the A320 family and seating range.
  2. Airbus — https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/commercial-aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a320-family/a321neo
    Supports: Official manufacturer description of the A321neo, including engine and configuration information.
  3. Delta Air Lines — https://www.delta.com/us/en/aircraft/airbus/a321
    Supports: Representative operational specifications such as length, range and seating for an A321-200 configuration.
  4. SKYbrary Aviation Safety — https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/a321
    Supports: Service entry date, basic aircraft type, and variant overview.
  5. Flugzeuginfo — http://www.flugzeuginfo.net/acdata_php/acdata_a321_en.php
    Supports: General technical description, aircraft family relationship, and seating capacity.