Cologne/Toulouse, 21 February 2025 – The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially granted Type Certification for the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. This milestone follows the July 2024 certification of the variant equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines and clears the way for customer deliveries of the GTF-powered version later this year.
Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, remarked:
“The A321XLR has already proven its exceptional range and efficiency by operating transatlantic flights on a daily basis. With the certification and upcoming service entry of the GTF-powered model, more airlines will be able to benefit from this transformative aircraft. Passengers can also look forward to more direct routes and enhanced comfort.”
Designed to complement widebody aircraft within airline fleets, the A321XLR offers airlines greater flexibility. It enables carriers to increase capacity, launch new long-range routes, or maintain existing ones more economically when demand is variable. The aircraft also achieves 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to older-generation competitors, making it a highly efficient option for long-haul narrowbody operations.
The A321XLR is equipped with the new Airspace cabin, providing a high level of comfort for passengers across all classes. Its development included a rigorous testing program using three prototypes, following its first flight in June 2022. After entering service in 2024, the A321XLR has already accumulated more than 500 orders from airlines worldwide.
