Dublin, Ireland – Aer Lingus has taken delivery of its first two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking a new era for long-haul travel on narrow-body jets. The airline's new extra-long-range aircraft is equipped with Thompson Aero Seating’s Vantage business-class seats, offering passengers an enhanced level of comfort, privacy, and luxury for flights of up to 11 hours.

Next-Level Comfort on Long-Haul Narrow-Body Flights

Traditionally, long-haul travel has been the domain of twin-aisle, wide-body aircraft, but the A321XLR revolutionizes air travel by delivering extended range with greater efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Recognizing the need for exceptional comfort on these longer flights, Aer Lingus partnered with Thompson Aero Seating, a Northern Ireland-based manufacturer renowned for premium business-class seating solutions

Innovative Vantage Seating for Business Class Travelers

The Vantage seat design was developed in collaboration with Aer Lingus and the London-based design firm Factorydesign. This partnership ensured a unique, stylish, and functional seating layout tailored to maximize comfort and space for business-class travelers.

Passengers will enjoy:

• Fully flat beds with a 6’7” bed length and a 22.2-inch width.
• Customizable seating configurations, including paired seats for couples and exclusive ‘throne’ seats for solo travelers.
• Increased privacy and premium finishes that reflect the dynamic Aer Lingus brand.

Philip Howe, Head of Sales & Commercial at Thompson Aero Seating, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration:

“We are delighted to see our Northern Ireland-designed, certified, and manufactured seats featured on Aer Lingus’ newest aircraft. Our long-standing relationship with the airline has allowed us to continuously enhance the passenger experience, and the A321XLR represents an exciting new chapter.”

A Strong Partnership for the Future

Thompson Aero Seating has been Aer Lingus’ sole supplier of business-class seats for over a decade, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for premium travelers. With the introduction of the A321XLR, the airline continues to enhance its offering while maintaining efficiency and sustainability in long-haul travel.

As Aer Lingus expands its fleet of A321XLR aircraft, more passengers will soon experience next-level comfort and innovation on transatlantic and long-haul European routes .