Airbus A321XLR receives EASA type certification

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.

Photo: EASA

"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 introduces the flexibility to add capacity, to open new routes, or even to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable. The A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide passengers long haul comfort in all classes.

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

At Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, a fully owned subsidiary of the state holding company Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 3 A320neo and 2 A321XLR aircraft to expand its international network.

The new aircraft are anticipated to start delivery in 2030. The airline plans to fly these aircraft out of Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), envisioned to become Bhutan’s futuristic economic hub. From here, Drukair will expand its connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Drukair already operates four Airbus A320 family aircraft consisting of three A319s and one A320.

The A321XLR offers an Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on a long-haul wide-body, with the low costs of a single-aisle aircraft.

To date more than 6,400 A321neos have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.