Airbus A321

Developed as a stretched version of the Airbus A320, the A321 shares the same type rating as the A320 allowing pilots to fly each type without retraining. Over 3,500 have been produced to date and in 2010, a new more efficient version known as the A320NEO was produced featuring new engines and winglets which lowered fuel consumption by 15%. Aircraft are assembled in Germany, the US , China and France. 

The German Air Force operate a fleet of three A321s as part of its Executive Transport Fleet which is home based at Cologne Bonn Airport. Two of the three are the newer A321LR variant and are both operated by the 1st Air Transport Squadron, they can be distinguished by their grey paint scheme. 

The German Air Force will be providing one of their grey A321s for static display at RIAT26 as part of our ‘Royal Flight’ theme. 

Photo Credit: Chris Lofting