Airbus announced the A321XLR at the 2019 Paris Air Show, an aircraft based on the current A321neo fuselage but with a much more extensive range. The aircraft achieves this long-range by adding a larger, permanently installed, high-capacity fuel tank.

The Airbus A321XLR intends to fill the space for the “Middle of the Market” aircraft, which earlier was occupied by the Boeing 757, an aircraft called “The Flying Pencil,” and one that could carry 200-240 passengers up to 3,915 nautical miles. With the A321XLR, Airbus claims to carry 220 passengers up to 4,700 nautical miles. The new aircraft trades a bit of passenger capacity for a significant bump in range.

More than 500 orders for the A321XLR are currently on Airbus’s books. Compared to the 757, the aircraft will be more fuel efficient, promising 30% lower fuel burn (and emissions) and better pressurisation.

The regulators pay special attention to the rear tank’s position right under the cabin floor. EASA had previously stated that extra measures would likely be required to guarantee the tank’s safety in the event of a fire. EASA was worried about the fire risk that came into the picture from the extra fuel tank being added to the A321 aircraft and wanted Airbus to work on reducing the risk.

The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022, followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft.

A321XLR receives Type Certification from EASA

The Airbus A321XLR, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) late last week, on July 19, preparing the way for the entry-into-service of the new aircraft at the end of the summer. Certification of the Pratt & Whitney engine version is slated for later in 2024.

This clears another significant milestone for the aircraft’s delivery to customers and entry into service. MSN 11504, which will be the first A321XLR to be delivered to Iberia (and to any customer globally), was recently spotted in Hamburg fully painted and with engines hung.

Now that the certification is done, this aircraft will undergo test and customer acceptance flights before being delivered to Iberia.  Iberia will be one of the first carriers to put the plane into service as flights will soon launch from Madrid to Boston, and then add flights to other destinations as it gets more of the A321XLR delivered.

Various XLR customers include IAG (Iberia and Air Lingus), IndiGo, American Airlines, United, Qantas, and many others.

Bottomline

The Airbus A321XLR is on its way to entering commercial service, as the aircraft has received certification from EASA and will soon deliver the first aircraft to its customer, Iberia. Iberia will launch the first service using the XLR between Madrid and Boston in November 2024.

What do you think of flying the A321XLR when it enters service? 

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