Luftwaffe orders 2 ACJ A321LR

Airbus Corporate Jets confirmed on 14 August 2020 that it has received an order for 2 A321LRs from Lufthansa Technik. These 2 aircraft will be used by the German Air Force.

A321LR aircraft for Luftwaffe (credits:Airbus)

This is a first for the single-aisle military version. Indeed, both aircraft will be operated by the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe. They will be deployed on troop transport or medical evacuation missions.

Lufthansa Technik had already ordered 3 ACJ350-900s to replace former official transport aircraft. The specially equipped A321LRs will have a capacity of 163 passengers and the ability to transport up to 6 intensive care patients and up to 12 patients. The range is 7800 kilometres.

In March 2020, the German Air Force sent an Airbus A310 to Bergamo, Italy, to evacuate 6 patients during the coronavirus crisis.

The A321LR, a multi-purpose aircraft 

Being an extended version of the A320 and having a longer range, the A321LR is available in several versions. In 2019, the luxury hotel chain Four Seasons ordered the aircraft for. On board, many of the features are similar to those found in a hotel. In 2019, Airbus Corporate Jets had placed a total of 15 orders.

During this coronavirus crisis, orders are very rare for the European manufacturer. Airlines prefer to wait for a change in the air transport situation before deciding on possible fleet expansions or renewals.