Economics – Comparing A321neo and A321ceo

In this data analysis, we compare the economics of the A321neo and A321ceo based on US Department of Transportation Form 41 data.  Our study shows, much like the A320neo, that the A321neo has a 16.0% improvement in seat-mile costs and a 10.7% improvement in aircraft mile costs over the A321ceo over the period 2022 through 1Q 2025 for all US reporting carriers.

A better comparison is to utilize airlines flying both types, to avoid differences in seating configurations and differences in utilization.  However, this is complicated by multiple layouts, as the A321 family is used in transcontinental and international services with different requirements.