Skift Take

The Airbus A321XLR is due to make its commercial debut in just a few months, but the aircraft has found itself caught in the middle of a major dispute.

Gordon Smith

There’s been a late change of plan for Airbus’ new plane. The A321XLR is the company’s flagship single-aisle jet and until recently, Aer Lingus was due to fly it before anyone else.

Now, the Irish flag carrier has lost the honor – the first flight is going to Iberia instead.

In aviation circles, laying claim as ‘launch operator’ is coveted. It can raise brand recognition and tell the world you’re a company at the cutting edge. So what went wrong for Aer Lingus? 

The biggest factor is a lengthy pay dispute with its pilot union. Flight crew are reportedly seeking salary increases of around 20%. Aer Lingus has said it will not offer more than 8.5%, a proposal rejected in January.

The Irish Times reports that Aer Lingus and the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association are awaiting a labor court recommendation following hearings that adjourned earlier this month.

The IAG Factor

Earlier this year, Luis Gallego, CEO of Aer Lingus' parent company IAG, publicly warned that the new aircraft wouldn’t be heading to Dublin if the pilots couldn’t agree to a deal.

IAG is a powerhouse in the European airline industry. It also owns British Airways, Iberia, budget carrier Vueling, and long-haul low-cost ope