Airbus reaches key milestone with EASA type certification for new A321XLR
July 20, 2024
Airframe manufacturing giant Airbus has received Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its A321XLR powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. The announcement follows an extensive test programme and paves the way for the aircraft’s entry-into-service at the end of this summer.
Describing the new aircraft as “quintessential Airbus,” Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus, said the differentiated product brings new value to the market.
“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.”
The manufacturer can now proceed with preparing the aircraft, for its first commercial missions with customers worldwide.
Capable of flying more than 4,700nm with a passenger load of up to 244, the aircraft sits side by side with widebodies in an airline’s fleet, enabling airlines to connect distant destinations such as New York to Rome, Delhi to London and Sydney to Kuala Lumpur. It offers long-haul comfort in all classes and introduces the flexibility to add capacity, to open new routes, or even to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable. Burning 30% less fuel per eat than previous generation competitor aircraft, it is also a more fuel-efficient model.
The aircraft completed its maiden flight in June 2022 and to date, more than 500 Airbus A321XLRs have been ordered. Customers include IndiGo, American Airlines, United Airlines, Qantas and AirAsia X.
