The Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) GTF engines has now received certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) paving the way for the first customer delivery and entry into service later this year.
Until now, only the CFM LEAP-1A-powered variant was certified limiting customer options but the certification of the P&W GTF (Geared TurboFan) means Airbus can now deliver aircraft with both engine variants.
Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine represents a significant leap forward in aviation technology, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and quieter operation. At the core of the GTF engine is a revolutionary gearbox system that allows the fan to rotate at a slower speed than the turbine, optimizing airflow and reducing fuel consumption.
This design innovation enables the engine to deliver up to 20% greater fuel efficiency compared to previous-generation engines, making it a popular choice among commercial airlines seeking to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Additionally, the GTF engine is designed to lower carbon dioxide emissions and noise levels, aligning with the aviation industry’s push for more sustainable solutions.
Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said, “The A321XLR already displays its great versatility crossing the Atlantic in daily operations. With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft. It is also good news for our customers’ passengers who will benefit from the convenience of new direct city-to-city connections with a heightened level of cabin comfort.”
P&W GTF v CFM LEAP-1A
1. Fuel Efficiency
- CFM LEAP-1A: Up to 15% better fuel efficiency compared to previous CFM56 engines.
- Pratt & Whitney GTF: Up to 20% better fuel efficiency compared to previous-generation engines.
2. Noise Reduction
- LEAP-1A: Reduces noise footprint by up to 50%.
- GTF: Reduces noise footprint by up to 75%, due to its slower fan speed.
3. Emissions
- LEAP-1A: Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 15% and NOx emissions by 50% below CAEP/6 standards.
- GTF: Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 20% and NOx emissions by 50% below CAEP/6 standards.
4. Thrust Range
- LEAP-1A: 24,500 to 35,000 pounds of thrust.
- GTF: 24,000 to 33,000 pounds of thrust.
5. Fan Diameter
- LEAP-1A: 78 inches (1.98 meters).
- GTF: 81 inches (2.06 meters), contributing to quieter operation and better bypass ratio.
6. Bypass Ratio
- LEAP-1A: 11:1, contributing to better fuel efficiency.
- GTF: 12:1, enabled by the geared fan, leading to higher efficiency and quieter operation.
7. Maintenance
- LEAP-1A: Designed with advanced materials like ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and 3D-printed parts, enhancing durability.
- GTF: Simplified architecture with fewer stages and parts, reducing maintenance costs. However, initial versions faced durability and reliability issues.