Airbus’s A321XLR aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, has received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), paving the way for its entry into service at the end of summer 2024.
The OEM confirmed that certification of the Pratt & Whitney engine version is scheduled for later in 2024. Airbus’s entry into service date for the A321XLR had been delayed from its original timeline of the end of 2023.
The A321XLR will add flexibility to operators’ fleets to open new routes or to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable. It also burns 30% less fuel per seat than previous-generation competitor aircraft.
The aircraft also features an entirely new centre fuselage incorporating a 12,900 litre ‘rear centre tank’ (RCT), a new fuel system, new fibre-metal laminate materials with fire-retardant properties on its lower shell, and a new larger and reinforced belly-fairing, said Airbus.
“With the certification, we have reached a key milestone. The next step is to prepare the aircraft for its first commercial missions with customers worldwide. We look forward to working with XLR customers to support the integration of the aircraft in their fleets,” said Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus.
More than 500 Airbus A321XLRs have been ordered so far. Iberia was confirmed as the aircraft’s launch customer in May 2024, nearly two years after the XLR’s maiden test flight in June 2022.
Photo: Airbus
