Extensive Testing Leads To Entry-Into-Service

A Pratt & Whitney-powered variant of the Airbus A321XLR has received type certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and will enter service later this year alongside its sister variant powered by the CFM LEAP-1A engines.

RTX, owner of Pratt & Whitney, said that in “support of the aircraft certification, updates were made to the PW1100G-JM engine’s type certificates to include A321XLR”.

Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said, “The A321XLR already displays its great versatility crossing the Atlantic in daily operations. With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft. It is also good news for our customers’ passengers who will benefit from the convenience of new direct city to city connections with a heightened level of cabin comfort.”

Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney said, “The GTF is the most fuel-efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft, and today’s certification from EASA is a key milestone for the program. The GTF-powered Airbus A321XLR will provide longer range and higher payload capability, enabling new route options while reducing operating costs for our customers.”

The A321XLR aircraft is a long-distance version of the A321neo and is capable of achieving distances of 4,700 km or 2,920 miles. It will be used to link city-pairs such as New York-Rome, London-Vancouver, and Sydney-Kuala Lumpur. The first A321 XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022.

Wizz Air is anticipating delivery of 47 of the Pratt & Whitney variant A321XLRs after it selected it rather than the version powered by the CFM LEAP engines in 2016.

FMI:  www.airbus.com/