Aegean Airlines cancels A321XLR orders, delays India expansion by a year
Aegean Airlines has scrapped plans to buy two Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The decision follows delays that would have pushed back its entry into key long-haul markets, particularly India. Instead, the carrier will now take delivery of four Airbus A321LRs starting next year.
The cancellation stems from certification issues with seating configurations, which delayed the aircraft's delivery. Aegean had originally intended to acquire the two A321XLRs from another airline. However, the setbacks meant missing the planned launch window for routes to Mumbai and New Delhi, as well as other destinations like the Maldives, Mauritius, and South Africa.
To maintain its long-range fleet, Aegean will still operate six A321LRs. The airline is also considering converting two of its existing A321neo orders into the LR version. This summer, it will add seven more A321s to its fleet, bringing the total number of Airbus Neo jets to 33—despite ongoing engine issues with the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G.
The airline's financial performance remains strong. Pre-tax profits climbed 17% to €192 million in the 2025 financial year, while total revenue grew 5% to €1.86 billion.
The switch from A321XLRs to A321LRs will postpone Aegean's India launch by about a year. The airline will now focus on expanding its long-haul subfleet with the LR variant, ensuring it can still serve distant markets. Deliveries of the new aircraft are set to begin in 2025.
