The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued the Type Certificate for the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. This follows the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A powered A321XLR in July 2024 and paves the way for the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines to enter service later this year.
Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: “The A321XLR already demonstrates 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 an enhanced level of cabin comfort.”
The A321XLR sits alongside widebodies in an airline’s fleet, introducing the flexibility to add capacity, open new routes, or continue operating existing ones when demand varies. All this while burning 30% less fuel per seat than previous-generation competitor aircraft. The A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide passengers with long-haul comfort in all classes.
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022, followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. In 2024, the A321XLR entered service. So far, more than 500 Airbus A321XLRs have been ordered.
