Wizz Air is discussing transfer of five remaining Airbus A321XLR deliveries to another operator ahead of the summer season, but has yet to elaborate.
The carrier had six A321XLRs in its fleet at the end of 2025, the close of its third quarter.
It is taking a total of 11 of the long-range type – having slashed its original commitment of 47 by converting 36 aircraft to A321neos.
Wizz has not detailed the plan for the backlog of five remaining A321XLRs but, in its third-quarter briefing, says it “continues discussions with partners” to “transfer” deliveries “to another operator”.
There is no indication whether this operator is external, or an entity within Wizz Air Holdings, or if it relates to plans for its UK division to pursue US charters.
Although Wizz has cut back its commitment to the XLR variant, it is praising the long-range model’s performance on UK-Saudi Arabian routes.
Wizz Air UK has recently introduced its third XLR, enabling it to increase the number of flights from London Gatwick to Jeddah.
Initial deployment of the XLR to Saudi Arabia has “performed above expectations”, says Wizz, and this has increased confidence that “unique and profitable markets can be developed for these aircraft”.
Wizz expects have received eight XLRs by the end of the 2025-26 fiscal year in March, and delivery of all 11 will be completed in fiscal 2026-27.
