Airbus has announced the A321XLR powered by CFM engines has taken another step further for its first commercial flights with Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Airbus has announced the A321XLR powered by CFM engines has taken another step further for its first commercial flights with Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The Type Certification – for A321XLR with CFM LEAP-1A engines – paves the way for the entry-into-service for the latest and longer-range variant of the A320/A321 family of aircraft at the end of the summer.
According to Airbus, the A321XLR will offer a range of 4700nm with a capacity for 180-220 passengers (based on a 2-class configuration). While opening new point-to-point routes, the A321XLR will offer a fuel burn 30% less than previous generation aircraft.
Certification for the A321XLR version with Pratt & Whitney engines is expected to take place later in 2024.
In a statement, Airbus' CEO of the Commercial Aircraft for Airbus said: “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.”
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022, which was followed by an extensive test program with three aircraft.
Airbus reports more than 500 A321XLRs have been ordered. The first of the new aircraft is expected to be delivered to Spain-based Iberia, which the airline plans to use the aircraft on trans-Atlantic flights to Washington DC and Boston.
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