Arkia A321LR

Israeli airline Arkia has taken delivery of its first A321LR, thereby becoming Airbus’ launch customer. Arkia is currently marking this fact on social media, through images, graphics and YouTube videos of the aircraft.

Arkia says that the aircraft will allow it to fly to new destinations from Israel, such as Goa and the Seychelles. Arkia A321LR

passengers will benefit from both in-flight WiFi, as well as entertainment streamed to their personal devices.

Arkia takes over launch customer status from Latvian / Icelandic LCC Primera Air, which shut its doors on October 2nd. Primera Air had intended to use the A321LR to shuttle passengers between Europe (especially the UK) and North America. While Primera Air never did fly the aircraft across the Atlantic, the Points Guy says that others airlines may do so soon. If JetBlue starts transatlantic services, the A321LR may come into play, while other airlines considering using it across the Atlantic are Air Transat and TAP Portugal. ■