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The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded the type certificate for the Airbus A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. This certification follows the release of the CFM LEAP-1A variant in July 2024 and enables the first customer aircraft with these engines to be deployed later this year.
EASA: Important certification for new aircraft variant
With certification by EASA, the Airbus A321XLR has reached a crucial milestone. This approval paves the way for the introduction of the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, a significant advance for the aviation industry. Airbus expects more airlines to adopt this groundbreaking aircraft variant. The A321XLR is known for its versatility as it can operate daily transatlantic flights and offers additional benefits with the GTF engine.
Benefits for airlines and passengers
The A321XLR is seen as a game-changer for airlines as it not only offers ample capacity, but also offers the flexibility to create new routes or continue operating existing routes as demand fluctuates. It achieves all this with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to previous models. In addition, the new Airspace cabin will ensure long-haul passengers a comfortable travel experience in all classes.
Airbus A321XLR: test phase and orders
The first flight of the A321XLR took place in June 2022 and was complemented by an intensive test program with three test aircraft. The smooth progress of these tests has further increased confidence in the performance and reliability of the aircraft. The market launch took place by 2024 and since then over 500 aircraft of this variant have been ordered, which underlines the high demand and the trust of airlines in this innovative model.
Positive response from the industry
Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft division, said the certification and early market launch of the GTF-powered A321XLR is good news for passengers. These would benefit from new, direct connections between cities and increased cabin comfort. The A321XLR sits side by side with widebody aircraft within a fleet, introducing flexibility for airlines.
Airbus is a global leader in aircraft and space technologies. With a range of products ranging from commercial aircraft to military equipment to advanced communications, surveillance and security solutions, Airbus continually strives to make air travel more sustainable and efficient. The introduction of the A321XLR is a further step in this endeavor.
