Airbus has launched a long-range plane that will mean more direct long-haul flights from the UK to India and the USA.
The A321XLR jet, which is part of the A321neo family, will also mean more new routes to countries including China and Australia.
The plane has a 30 per cent lower fuel burn per seat than previous-generation competitor aircraft and will have a range of 4,700 nautical miles (5,400 miles).
Airbus, which manufactures wings for planes at its plant in Filton, says the range of the jet will be 15 per cent more than its standard long-range A321.
The aircraft was revealed at the Paris Airshow and is due to go into operation in 2023.
A spokesperson for Airbus said: "With this added range, airlines will be able to operate a lower-cost single-aisle aircraft on longer and less heavily travelled routes – many of which can now only be served by larger and less efficient wide-body aircraft.
"This will enable operators to open new world-wide routes such as India to Europe or China to Australia, as well as further extending the Family’s non-stop reach on direct transatlantic flights between continental Europe and the Americas.
“For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on long-haul widebody aircraft.”
The new plane has new permanent Rear Centre Tank (RCT) for more fuel volume; a modified landing gear for an increased maximum take-off weight of 101 metric tonnes; and an optimised wing trailing-edge flap configuration to preserve the same take-off performance and engine thrust requirements as today’s A321neo.
The new tank will be able to hold more fuel, while taking up less space in the cargo hold, freeing-up underfloor volume for additional cargo and baggage on long range routes.
The A320neo family is the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft with over 6,500 orders from more than 100 customers since its launch in 2010.
It incorporates new-generation engines and wing-tip devices plus other improvements which bring double-digit fuel savings over its predecessor.
