EASA issues type certification for A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney engines

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued the type certification for A321XLR aircraft, powered by  Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

This follows the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A powered A321XLR in July 2024, with the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines expected to enter service later this year.  

The A321XLR received certification for the GTF engine from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in December 2024. 

“With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft,” said Christian Scherer, CEO commercial aircraft at Airbus. Currently, more than 500 A321XLRs have been ordered. 

The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft.

Iberia became the first airline in the world to operate a commercial transatlantic service using the A321XLR. The flight departed on November 14, 2024, from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport bound for Boston.