The A321XLR is now officially certified to fly on July 19, 2024. The aircraft was given its type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as it prepares to enter service by the end of summer.
""The type certification of this aircraft is the culmination of six years of relentless dedication and hard work from thousands of people at Airbus,"" said the OEM's chief technology officer & EVP engineering commercial aircraft business Sabine Klauke on a LinkedIn post.
The XLR builds upon the A321neo model. It incorporates major modifications to the aircraft design, allowing for 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.
The most significant modification comes in its new fuselage section design, featuring a rear centre fuel tank. The design enables the narrowbody ‘xtra long range’ aircraft to fly up to 4,7000 nautical miles non-stop and can carry up to 220 passengers.
""With its long range, the A321XLR enables a host of new direct routes, offering natural growth opportunities to our customers and the travelling public,"" said Airbus commercial aircraft business CEO Christian Scherer.
The aircraft is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. The Pratt & Whitney version of the aircraft is slated for certification sometime in 2024.
Klauke added: ""Over the past two years, Airbus engineers and test pilots have put the aircraft through rigorous testing to ensure that it meets the highest standards of airworthiness and performance.""
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. The three prototype A321XLR aircraft have completed a total of more than 510 flights and logged around 1,450 flight test hours. So far, more than 500 of the aircraft have been ordered. The news comes ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow on July 22-26 where aircraft orders are typically announced.
A321XLR certified to fly
