The Airbus A321XLR project took another big step forward, with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issuing the Type Certificate for the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.
Airbus A321XLR Test Aircraft powered by Pratt&Whitney engines taking off – Image, Airbus
This follows the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A powered A321XLR in July 2024 (in service with Iberia and Aer Lingus) and paves the way for the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines to enter into service later this year.
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. In 2024, the A321XLR entered into service.
In Quotes
Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said:
“The A321XLR already displays its great versatility crossing the Atlantic in daily operations. With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft. It is also good news for our customers’ passengers who will benefit from the convenience of new direct city to city connections with a heightened level of cabin comfort.”
Driving sales
Airbus has so far seen over 500 A321XLRs being ordered, with airlines being able to use the type flexibly deploy capacity through its fleet – be it on “thin and long” routes, as a shrink from a widebody aircraft when demand varies between seasons, or as extra capacity within its single-aisle fleet.
With airlines proposing everything from a three-cabin experience (with Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class) through to the full Economy Class cabin, there’s going to be further demand as airlines flex the range of 4,700 nautical miles (5408 miles) and the mission profiles that can be met.
At least the aircraft will feature the Airspace Cabin, which features new lighting and large overhead bins.
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