The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued the Type Certificate for the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines.
This follows the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A powered A321XLR in July 2024 and paves the way for the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines to enter into service later this year.
As per Pratt & Whitney, in support of the aircraft certification, updates were made to the PW1100G-JM engine's type certificates to include A321XLR, granted by EASA on February 7, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on December 12, 2024.
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."
Christian Scherer, CEO 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.”
The A321XLR sits side by side with widebodies in an airline’s fleet. It introduces the flexibility to add capacity, to open new routes, or even to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable.
This is all while burning 30% less fuel per seat than previous generation competitor aircraft. The A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide passengers long haul comfort in all classes.
Globally, 13 customers have selected GTF engines to power 217 A321XLR aircraft, with Wizz Air expected to be the first operator. To date, more than 2,200 GTF-powered aircraft have been delivered to over 80 customers worldwide. The next configuration of the engine, the GTF Advantage, is particularly well suited for the A321XLR, delivering higher take-off thrust and offering even better operating economics.
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. In 2024, the A321XLR entered into service. So far more than 500 Airbus A321XLRs have been ordered.
