Although we all knew it was a matter of days, we didn’t know exactly how many. Finally though Airbus has its much awaited Type Certificate for the revolutionary Airbus A321XLR. Not only, the news comes just ahead of the most important aviation event of the year and therefore, timing couldn’t have been any better for the European manufacturer. So, here’s what the news means for Airbus and airlines and why the timing of the news is just perfect.
The A321XLR Finally Receives Its EASA Type Certificate – What does that mean for the industry?
The TLDR is that from now on the Airbus A321XLR can operate commercial services transporting passengers. Without a type certificate the aircraft is only allowed to fly on test and demonstration flights. Therefore, you can understand how this is a key moment for the development of this new variant of the A320 aircraft family.
What is means for the airlines and the industry in general is that more thin long routes will become achievable. The A321XLR is an evolution of the A321neo in its LR variant (Long Range). A plane that is already flying on a regular basis on transatlantic routes. However, the XLR adds 700nm (1,300km) of range on top of its predecessor’s, bringing it to an incredible 4,700nm (or 8,700km). A massive range for a narrow-body aircraft that will allow it to comfortably cross the Atlantic on a standard configuration with much higher efficiency than any other aircraft. Like it or not we’ll all be flying more often on these aircraft types on long range sectors.
The A321XLR achieves is impressive range not thanks to increased efficiency but because of its new additional central fuel tank. The aircraft is still powered by the same CFM LEAP-1A engines with the same wing structure and profile. The new fuel tank though was deemed to be a significant deviation from the original A321neo design and therefore a new type certificate was needed.
In order to satisfy the stringent requirements of EASA (and to keep at bay safety concerns Boeing raised), Airbus had to do some work on the A321XLR’s central belly fairing. The structure of the fuselage and the tank itself have been reinforced to further reduce the risk of any foreign object being able to punch a hole through both layers. The whole type certification process took 5 years.
Which Airline is The Launch Customer For The A321XLR?
An IAG airline will fly the first A321XLR. Initially the plan was for Aer Lingus to operate the first plane and be the launch customer. However, tensions with the flight crews during contract negotiations pushed the group to divert the first aircraft to Iberia.
Although the first flight is scheduled for early 2025, the plane is still at the Airbus production plant in Hamburg with its temporary German registration number D-AVYR. Iberia will deploy these new jets on its transatlantic flights.
Why Is The Type Certificate Timing Perfect for Airbus?
Airbus got the green light on its Airbus A321XLR just days before the most important aviation event of the year: the Farnborough Air Show. Now Airbus can show up at the event showing off a plane ready to be delivered and not just a prototype. Putting them in the spotlight and once again, moving attention away from other issues, and putting Boeing under further pressure.
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