EASA Certifies Airbus A321XLR for Long-Haul Flights
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the new Airbus A321XLR, a groundbreaking aircraft designed for long-haul flights with enhanced fuel capacity.
The Airbus A321XLR is a member of the Airbus A320neo family of narrow-body, commercial passenger twin-engine jet airliners. It carries 185 to 236 passengers and is an ideal replacement for aging Boeing 757s.
The A321XLR features a new Rear Central Tank (RCT) that holds 12,900 liters of fuel, significantly increasing its range to 4,700 nautical miles (approximately 8,700 kilometers). This allows the aircraft to fly up to 9 hours non-stop, making it ideal for long-haul routes previously only feasible with larger, twin-aisle aircraft.
Equipped with the RCT, the A321XLR offers significant fuel efficiency, helping airlines reduce operational costs and carbon emissions.
The cabin is designed to enhance passenger comfort with features such as wider seats, larger overhead bins, and advanced air conditioning systems. The aircraft also supports the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity options.
The A321XLR’s design allows it to operate from shorter runways, providing airlines with greater flexibility in choosing airports and routes.
Equipped with the latest avionics and navigation systems, the A321XLR ensures safer and more efficient flights.
With improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, the A321XLR is a more environmentally friendly option compared to older aircraft models.
The extended range of the A321XLR opens up new possibilities for direct flights between cities previously not connected by non-stop services. Routes such as New York to Rome or Tokyo to Sydney could be served by the A321XLR.
The Airbus A321XLR is set to enter service at the end of summer 2024. This certification marks a significant milestone, enabling airlines to open new long-haul routes with the efficiency of a single-aisle aircraft.
The Airbus A321XLR is one of the most anticipated aircraft in recent years, with more than 550 orders from 26 customers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, IndiGo, JetBlue, Qantas, and Frontier. Demand for the A321XLR remains strong, with the European giant aiming for an entry-to-service target of early 2024.
By offering extended range, fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort, the Airbus A321XLR is set to revolutionize the long-haul, single-aisle aircraft market.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com