The Airbus A321XLR, powered by CFM Leap 1A engines, has gained its type certification from the European Aviation and Safety Agency (EASA) paving the way for its entry into service.
The milestone officially happened in Toulouse today when Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, handed over the certificate to A321XLR Chief Engineer Isabelle Bloy.
The A321XLR began flight testing in June 2022 and has undergone a thorough and rigorous test programme to ensure its safety and reliability.
“Here comes the A321XLR, a differentiated product that brings new value to the market, expanding the possibilities for our airline customers and 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.
“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!”, says Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of 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.”
Orders for over 500 XLRs have been obtained with the aircraft hitting a chord with airlines looking for an aircraft with the range of a widebody but the economy of a single-aisle airliner.
The XLR has a range of 4,700nm making the East coast of the US an easy reach from the UK. It can carry up to 220 passengers and provide 30% less fuel burn compared to traditional aircraft on medium to long-haul routes.
The range means that the XLR can carry out flights up to 11 hours in duration.
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