The Airbus A321XLR, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, has officially received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), marking a significant milestone in the aircraft’s journey towards entry-into-service. This certification, a key requirement for commercial operation, was handed over by Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, to Isabelle Bloy, A321XLR Chief Engineer. The certification for the Pratt & Whitney engine version is anticipated later in 2024.
A Game-Changer in the Aviation Market
“Here comes the A321XLR, a differentiated product that brings new value to the market, expanding the possibilities for our airline customers and passengers,” remarked Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus. “With its long range, the A321XLR enables a host of new direct routes, offering natural growth opportunities to our customers and the travelling public. It provides airlines with the efficiency of commonality inside the A320/A321 product range and its versatile cabin a range of service possibilities that are just unique. It is quintessential Airbus!”
Key Features and Benefits of the A321XLR
The A321XLR is designed to sit comfortably alongside widebodies in an airline’s fleet, introducing unparalleled flexibility. The aircraft can add capacity, open new routes, or continue operating existing ones even when demand fluctuates. With a remarkable 30% reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation competitor aircraft, the A321XLR offers significant cost savings, operating at roughly half the trip cost of modern widebodies.
The A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin promises passengers long-haul comfort across all classes, enhancing the travel experience significantly. This cabin design integrates advanced features that cater to passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Extensive Testing and Proven Performance
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022, kicking off an extensive test programme that involved three test aircraft. This rigorous testing phase ensured that the aircraft meets all necessary safety and performance standards. To date, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the A321XLR, reflecting strong market confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities.
Expanding the Market Potential
The A321XLR’s long-range capabilities are poised to revolutionize the aviation market by enabling new direct routes that were previously not economically viable with single-aisle aircraft. This opens up opportunities for airlines to explore and serve new markets, enhancing connectivity and offering passengers more travel options.
The certification of the A321XLR comes at a pivotal time as the aviation industry continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic. The aircraft’s efficiency, range, and versatility align perfectly with the industry’s needs for sustainable growth and operational flexibility.
Looking Ahead
“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,” Scherer added. This preparation phase will involve close collaboration with airline customers to ensure a smooth and successful entry-into-service.
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