TOULOUSE, France - Airbus has announced that it has begun offering airlines a long-range version of its A321neo airliner, which is intended to replace Boeing's 757, a long-range single-aisle passenger jet that is no longer in production.

"The long-range version of the A321neo will be the ideal 757 replacement with true transatlantic range, 25% lower fuel burn and true long-range comfort," an Airbus representative told the media this week.

The long range version of the A321neo, fitted with an extra fuel tank, will fill a gap in the product line for a single-aisle plane that can fly farther than Boeing's 737 or the Airbus A320.

The niche has long been seen as one that Boeing might also seek to fill.

The long range A321neo would have a flying range around 100 nautical miles longer than the 757-200W, and would seat about 164 passengers, similar to the 757's capacity of 169.

However, Airbus says the A321neo's 18-inch-wide seats and room for lie-flat beds in business class would give it a competitive edge.

The Toulouse, France-based aviation giant said it foresees the airliner entering service in 2019.

"We are actively discussing this A321neo development with customers," Airbus said. "The increased 97-tonne maximum take-off weight and additional fuel capacity will give the A321neo a significant range increase overtaking the 757 currently operating on the transatlantic."

The jetliner will carry additional fuel tanks, but normal A321neos cannot be retrofitted to extend their range.

The Boeing 757 was first introduced in 1982. More than 1,000 were delivered before production was ceased in 2004, leaving a gap in the market.

The Airbus A321 was launched in 1988, but only the long-range variant of the A321neo can compete with the 757's range.