A321XLR-SKY
Chilean operator SKY to acquire ten A321XLR aircraft. Credit: Airbus S.A.S.

Chile-based ultra-low-cost carrier SKY has agreed to purchase ten A321XLR extra-long-range aircraft from European maker Airbus.

A member of the next-generation A320neo/A321neo family, the A321XLR features an increased range and payload in a single-aisle aircraft.

With 30% reduced fuel burn a seat compared with previous-generation aircraft, the A321XLR offers a narrow-body airliner range of up to 4,700nm.

The acquisition will support the airline’s plans to expand its international route network.

SKY CEO Holger Paulmann said: “This new aircraft fleet will allow us to expand our offer of international and wide-ranging routes, always under our successful low-cost model and its extremely convenient ticket prices.

“Now passengers can enjoy new and very attractive destinations on the most modern aeroplanes in the market.”

Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast (GMF) has revealed that Latin America will require 2,700 new aircraft in the next two decades.

Since 2002, the region’s passenger traffic has doubled and is anticipated to increase over the next 20 years.

The report also predicted that Chile’s traffic will grow from 0.89 trips per capita to 2.26 trips in 2038.

In June, SKY became the launch customer for the new Airbus Chile Training Centre by choosing Airbus as its flight training provider.

Featuring a full-flight A320 simulator, the new facility will provide flight crew training for Chilean pilots.

SKY and Airbus have been associating since 2010 with SKY becoming an all-Airbus operator in 2013.

With its fleet of 23 A320 family aircraft, the carrier operates in national and international routes connecting Chile to Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay.