Aer Lingus receives its first two A321XLRs
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Over the past few months we’ve spent a lot of time looking at the Airbus A321XLR and its not-quite-as-long-range sibling the A321LR. Both are transforming long haul flying and have been ordered in their hundreds.
Aer Lingus, which was originally due to be the first A321XLR operator, has now received its first two planes.
The first one, registered EI-XLR ‘St Lelia / Liadhain’, was flown to Dublin on Wednesday. It was followed by the second, EI-XLT ‘St Melanie / Mella’. later in the evening.
Aer Lingus plans to use the A321XLR to open new routes to Nashville, Indianapolis and Minneapolis. These are due to start at some point during the summer timetable from late March.
In the meantime, the first destination to get the A321XLR will be Washington DC (Dulles), with the aircraft making its first commercial flight on 20th December.
In terms of what you can expect on board, the aircraft will feature upgraded versions of the existing Aer Lingus business class seats based on Northern Irish manufacturer Thompson Aero Seating’s Vantage product.
Upgrades include next-gen inflight entertainment systems with 4K screens and Bluetooth connectivity. I’ve also been told that the upgrade includes new tray tables, additional stowage, a new trim, materials and finish “to enhance the overall look and feel of the seating.” No photos have been released yet!
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How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (June 2025)
As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!
In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.
You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:
Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
Get 25,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £10,000 Read our full review
Barclaycard Avios Mastercard
Get 5,000 Avios for signing up and an upgrade voucher at £20,000 Read our full review
There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:
British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
30,000 Avios and the famous annual Companion Voucher voucher Read our full review
British Airways American Express Credit Card
5,000 Avios for signing up and an Economy 2-4-1 voucher for spending £15,000 Read our full review
You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points. These points convert at 1:1 into Avios.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express
50,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
Run your own business?
We recommend Capital on Tap for limited companies. You earn points worth 0.8 Avios per £1 on the FREE standard card and 1 Avios per £1 on the Pro card. Capital on Tap cards also have no FX fees.
Capital on Tap Visa
NO annual fee, NO FX fees and points worth 0.8 Avios per £1 Read our full review
Capital on Tap Pro Visa
10,500 points (=10,500 Avios) plus good benefits Read our full review
There is also a British Airways American Express card for small businesses:
British Airways American Express Accelerating Business Card
30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review
There are also generous bonuses on the two American Express Business cards, with the points converting at 1:1 into Avios. These cards are open to sole traders as well as limited companies.
The American Express Business Platinum Card
50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
The American Express Business Gold Card
20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review
Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.
Arjun 
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