The Airbus A321XLR powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines has received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), preparing the way for the entry-into-service of the new aircraft at the end of the summer. The Type Certificate was handed over by Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, to Isabelle Bloy, A321XLR Chief Engineer. Certification of the Pratt & Whitney engine version is slated for later in 2024.

The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. So far more than 500 Airbus A321XLRs have been ordered.

"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.”

The A321XLR sits side by side with widebodies in an airline's fleet. It introduces the flexibility to add capacity, to open new routes, or even to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable. All while burning 30% less fuel per seat than previous generation competitor aircraft, and at roughly half the trip cost of modern widebodies. The A321XLR's new Airspace cabin will provide passengers long haul comfort in all classes.

The A321XLR is the fifth member of the A320neo family aircraft powered by LEAP engines. Supporting aircraft certification were updates to the engine’s type certificates, which EASA and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted on July 10.

The LEAP-1A engine was always designed with 35,000-lb. thrust capability for longer range, higher max takeoff weight aircraft. As a result, no engine modifications were required, giving operators the added benefit of 100 percent commonality with their existing A320neo family fleets.”

“Certification of the CFM-powered A321XLR is an important milestone in providing our operators much greater route scheduling flexibility,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. “The engine was always designed with 35,000lb. thrust capability for longer range, higher max takeoff weight aircraft. As a result, no engine modifications were required, giving operators the added benefit of 100 percent commonality with their existing A320neo family fleets.”

To date, 11 airlines and lessors have selected LEAP engines to power more than 190 A321XLR aircraft. When including the A321LR and A321neo, LEAP engines have been the preferred choice for more than 70 customers across more than 2,300 large, long-range Airbus single-aisle aircraft.