By Robert Wall 
 

LE BOURGET, France--Airbus SE announced it would develop its longest-range single-aisle plane yet, aimed at growing airline interest in linking smaller trans-Atlantic markets and adding pressure on Boeing Co., which is considering a brand-new jet design for similar flights.

Airbus said its so called A321XLR, an upgrade to its popular A321neo narrowbody, should enter service in 2023, several years before the putative Boeing midsize plane would be ready.

Boeing's tentative plans call for its plane to enter fleets around 2025, though analysts believe the company's crisis around the grounding of the 737 MAX after two fatal crashes could delay the timing. Boeing has been discussing its concept with airlines, but has not said whether it will actually build the plane.

Air Lease Corp. became the launcher customer, buying 27 of the planes as part of a 100-airplane deal that also includes 50 A220-300 jetliners.

Write to Robert Wall at robert.wall@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 17, 2019 04:44 ET (08:44 GMT)