EASA Certifies Airbus A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney Engines, Marking Key Milestone

EASA Certifies Airbus A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney Engines, Marking Key Milestone

(IN BRIEF) The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted the Type Certificate for the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. This milestone follows the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A powered variant in July 2024 and sets the stage for the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines to enter service later this year.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOULOUSE/GERMANY, 22-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially granted the Type Certificate for the Airbus A321XLR equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, a significant development following the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A-powered version of the aircraft in July 2024. This certification paves the way for the entry into service of the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines later this year, a major step forward for the next-generation airliner.

Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, commented, “The A321XLR has already demonstrated its exceptional versatility by regularly crossing the Atlantic. With this certification and the upcoming entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR, we expect to see even more operators take advantage of this groundbreaking aircraft. This is fantastic news not only for our airline customers but also for passengers who will enjoy the benefits of new direct city-to-city routes and enhanced cabin comfort.”

The A321XLR, which is designed to complement widebody aircraft in an airline’s fleet, offers airlines the flexibility to increase capacity, open new routes, or continue operating existing ones even when demand fluctuates. The aircraft provides a significant fuel advantage, consuming 30% less fuel per seat compared to its predecessors, making it a highly cost-effective option for carriers. Passengers will also benefit from the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin, which brings long-haul comfort across all classes.

The A321XLR’s journey began with its maiden flight in June 2022, followed by an extensive testing program involving three aircraft. The aircraft officially entered service in 2024, with more than 500 A321XLRs currently on order.

Media Contacts:

Sara Ricci
AIRBUS | Commercial Aircraft
Phone: +33 6 42 65 26 17
sara.ricci@airbus.com

Heiko Stolzke
AIRBUS | Commercial Aircraft
Phone: +49 151 4615 0714
heiko.stolzke@airbus.com

Justin Dubon
AIRBUS | Commercial Aircraft
Phone: +33 6 74 97 49 51
justin.dubon@airbus.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS