Unique Airbus A321XLR Customer

Most customers of the Airbus A321XLR are airlines seeking to operate scheduled passenger flights, that’s most, but not all.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has become the latest customer of the A321XLR, confirming that it has entered a long-term lease contract.

The deal, which will involve two Airbus A321XLR jets, will be facilitated by leading aircraft lessor Air Lease Corporation and is strictly intended to replace the long-standing Boeing 757s.

These Boeing 757s, which have been part of the fleet for some time, have primarily been utilised to transport military personnel and equipment quickly over long distances, and for missions that may require urgency.

Strategic air transport plays a vital role for a country like New Zealand – responding to events of any description, whether humanitarian recovery, defence personnel deployments or important trade delegations will continue to enhance New Zealand’s interest.

Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies

Additionally, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has placed importance on using the planes for various types of deployment, ranging from disaster relief operations at home in New Zealand or across the Pacific to diplomatic and trade missions.

However, the time has arrived when the need for a replacement has landed, and the A321XLR has been handpicked as the perfect choice, offering not only greater fuel efficiency but also seating for around 120 passengers and 9,100 kilograms of cargo.

The A321XLR, known for its range, is precisely why the Royal New Zealand Air Force is so excited about the prospect of operating the jet, now offering the ability to fly further than ever before.

Airbus A321XLR Plans Revealed

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is hopeful that the aircraft will be fitted out in their special configuration and ready to operate relatively soon after their scheduled arrival in 2028.

Additionally, the plan is for the fleet of two aircraft to be based at RNZAF Base Auckland, with No. 40 Squadron to operate the jets.

In a detailed press release, RNZAF confirmed that the project has a capital cost of around $620 million, with four-year operating expenses of $80.26 million.

While the addition of the A321XLR means a fresh new era for RNZAF, not much will change from the outside, with the current livery continuintoto match the XLR as closely as possible to the existing and outgoing 757.

The decision on the livery followed a wide array of options before settling on grey, which features a prominent kiwi roundel. RNZAF is deciding this because it wants to send a clear signal that these planes are military-configured aircraft, and that they are from New Zealand above anything else.