Airbus receives EASA certification for the A321XLR
19 July 2024 is a happy day for Airbus as EASA has certified the A321XLR. With this final hurdle cleared, Airbus can now start delivery of the newest variant of the A321neo to its customers.
Originally, Airbus planned to had the A321XLR certified in 2023, with deliveries starting then as well. However, due to concerns about the fire safety of the new rear center fuel tank, certification was puhsed back. Thanks to this additional fuel tank, the XLR is able to fly 15% further than the A321neoLR (A321-200NX), with a maximum of 8,700 km.
Airbus has so far received more than 500 orders for the A321XLR. Iberia will be the launch customer, with delivery scheduled later this year. Entry into commercial service with the Spanish airline is planned for November and it will be first used to serve Boston from Madrid. In January 2025, Washington-Dulles is to follow.
Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo is the largest customer for the XLR and has orders for 69 A321-200NYs. A shared second place as largest customer for the type are for American Airlines and United Airlines, which both have 50 on order.
Photo by Airbus.