capt707

I have a feeling they will be replacing some older A320s

360KIAS

I understand that they are conversions. But we cannot get them prior to 2023, can we? And wouldn't Airbus dole the XLRs out based on whom ordered their first?

Bluedriver

Just put your shovel down.

rvr1800

You think you two could maybe just ignore each other so we can keep this thread open? Thanks.

360KIAS

Thank you. I'm trying.

jamesholzhauer

Correct, can’t get them prior to 2023 (hence why JB kept LR order and didn’t convert those). But the production slot of an A320 family aircraft was already spoken for in the existing 85 NEO order. What comes on it is negotiable up until the point of production (this is probably oversimplified a bit for this discussion but you get the point). There isn’t an XLR order book or production facility that is different than other NEOs. In other words, JB doesn’t jump to the back of the line for XLRs with conversions from previously spoken for NEO orders/slots. Airbus just changes a few things when they build it when it’s on the production line (in this case different RCT, flaps, gear).

Also, if you noticed, various orders for XLRs were announced at PAS each day, but these negotiations and deals have been in the works for much longer. Vendors set up shop a month prior to PAS, along with other negotiations and deals that have likely been ongoing. It isn’t like each deal is made right before the announcement on the spot in Paris. I’m guessing there is some deliberate spacing of the announcements to maximize press coverage for both airbus and each airline. If everyone announced on day 1, each order would be partially buried by others. This is speculation on my part, but I just point it out because announcement timelines are not always in sync with future delivery timelines.

360KIAS

Ok, I see what you're getting at now. Once the XLR is blessed off for delivery, we can start converting our already-placed orders. Which won't necessarily mean 2024 before we see one, but everyone else who already has orders will be getting theirs, as well. I guess we'll know for sure after the first one is on property when it actually happened.

Good explanation on the announcements, that is probably why two different airlines are claiming to be the "first US customers".

Quiet Storm

You just like your feeling about JB not making announcement on the XLR, for another 2 years, right ? Lol

chucknorris

No... that’s 12 rts plus a spare. A trans Atlantic flight needs only one aircraft. South America though needs 2.

PasserOGas

Why does SA require two?