Lufthansa Group says it continuously evaluates developments and aircraft types available on the market, but it has "currently no plans for the A321-200NY(XLR)".

The Lufthansa parent was responding to a query from ch-aviation, following a recent report in the German newspaper Handelsblatt that an internal statement from a board member suggested executives were reevaluating the jet after previously dismissing it.

Under internal analysis led by board member Dieter Vranckx, Lufthansa Group had been reconsidering the A321XLR to explore how its extended range and economic advantages could fit within the group’s future fleet strategy, according to a report by Aviation Direct.

This reconsideration was reportedly driven by competitive pressures and the desire to serve thinner long-haul routes efficiently, particularly in the transatlantic market where competitors and partners like United Airlines are using the aircraft type.

Group CEO Carsten Spohr has historically downplayed the type’s relevance to Lufthansa’s hub-focused widebody operations, leading to media speculation that any use would likely be selective and possibly directed to subsidiaries like Discover Airlines, Austrian Airlines, or Brussels Airlines rather than the core Lufthansa brand.