As expected, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) awarded the A321XLR commercial jet with type certification on July 19, Airbus announced.
The approval for now includes the variant with CFM LEAP-1A engines that is expected to enter service at the end of the summer by Iberia.
The A321XLR equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines should be certified a little later, at the end of 2024.
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“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 traveling public. It provides airlines with the efficiency of commonality within the A320/A321 product range and its versatile cabin a range of service possibilities that are just unique. of Airbus.
The milestone comes on the eve of the Farnborough Airshow, which will take place from 22 to 26 July in the UK, and just over five years after the program launched, during another air show, at Le Bourget in 2019.
The extensive flight test program began in June 2022 with the inaugural takeoff of the first A321XLR prototype, joined by two other aircraft.
During this period of time, more than 500 flights were carried out with 1,450 hours in the air.
The A321XLR will introduce a new possibility to its operators by being able to fly distances of up to 4,700 nm (8,700 km) non-stop and replace expensive widebodies on several routes, including transoceanic destinations.
The first series production A321XLR left paint work in recent days and is on track to receive its LEAP-1A engines in the coming days.
Iberia will put it on local flights for training before debuting the aircraft on flights from Madrid to Boston and Washington, USA, from the end of the year.
