A321XLR Receives Official EASA Certification
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially granted type certification to Airbus for its A321XLR aircraft, which is powered by the CFM LEAP-1A engine. This narrow-body plane, notable for its Xtra Long Range capabilities, includes additional fuel capacity and aerodynamic improvements, enabling it to undertake long-haul flights that are typically the domain of wide-body jets.
The A321XLR differs from the standard A321neo by incorporating an extra fuel tank in the plane’s underbelly. EASA’s certification process focused largely on addressing crash and fire safety issues related to this additional fuel tank.
Structural Reinforcements Support Long-Range Performance
To accommodate the extra weight, Airbus has strengthened the fuselage with more robust materials and made structural upgrades, such as reinforcing the landing gear. The landing gear is built using high-strength titanium alloys combined with elements like molybdenum, vanadium, aluminum, and chromium.
Engine Consistency and Supply Chain Disruptions
This certified model of the A321XLR is equipped with the LEAP-1A engine from CFM International, a joint venture between France’s Safran and the US’ GE Aerospace. The LEAP engine, already designed with adequate thrust and maximum take-off weight capacities, did not need any modifications from its deployment on the A320neo.
This certification comes just weeks after Airbus announced a delay in ramping up its A320 program due to ongoing supply chain issues, including engine supply problems from CFM and Pratt & Whitney.
Certification for the Pratt & Whitney engine version, developed by the US conglomerate RTX, is anticipated later this year.
Airbus has currently secured over 500 orders for the A321XLR.
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