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By Bjorn Fehrm

October 5, 2023, © Leeham News: We look at what can be the next development for Airbus' most popular aircraft, the A321neo. We looked at the history of the A320/A321 last week and how the aircraft progressively were updated to take more passengers and fly longer sectors.

The series represents more than 50% of the revenue and margin for Airbus. With the latest development, the A321XLR, soon finished, what is next? We use our Airliner Performance and Cost Model (APCM) to look at base data and what changes are necessary to increase capacity and efficiency further.

A321XLR during cold weather testing in Canada. Source: Airbus.

Summary:

• The A321 is reaching its weight and capacity limits.
• There are ways to lift these limits, but the changes must not break its Airport gate classification.