Airbus A321XLR, Powered by CFM International LEAP-1A, Awaits Certification by End of 2023

Airbus is eagerly anticipating the certification of its A321XLR aircraft, which is expected to be achieved by the end of 2023. The company’s Executive Vice President Programmes & Services, Philippe Mhun, revealed that Airbus has reached an agreement with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on the technical specifications of the aircraft, including the rear center tank. This tank has been a topic of extensive discussions between Airbus and regulators.

The certification program for the A321XLR involves three aircraft, each powered by different engine variants: the CFM International LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G. Mhun clarified that the LEAP-1A-powered A321XLR will be certified first, while the PW1100G-powered A321noe variant will follow, with deliveries scheduled for Q2 2024.

One of the major concerns raised by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was the safety and durability of the rear center tank, located below the cabin at the back of the A321XLR. The FAA emphasized the need for proper protection of the fuel tank during severe crash conditions that may surpass the regulations specified in the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

To address these concerns, EASA has proposed five means of compliance to the Special Condition (SC) related to the aft fuel tank. These include additional design precautions, fuselage break points, crushing of lower fuselage under vertical descent impact velocities, sliding on the ground, and internal protection recommendations.

With the technical specifications agreed upon and the certification process underway, Airbus remains optimistic about the future success of the A321XLR, powered by the reliable CFM International LEAP-1A engine.