TOULOUSE- European plane maker, Airbus A321XLR received Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Today (July 19, 2024). This certification prepares the aircraft for entry into service (EIS) by late summer 2024.
EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet presented the Type Certificate to A321XLR Chief Engineer Isabelle Bloy. The certification applies to the CFM LEAP-1A engine version. Pratt & Whitney engine certification will follow later in 2024.
Airbus A321XLR EASA Type Certification
Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, emphasized the A321XLR’s market value. The aircraft enables new direct routes and offers growth opportunities for airlines and passengers.
Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus stated,
Here comes the A321XLR, a differentiated product that brings new value to the market, expanding the possibilities for our airline customers and passengers. With its long range, the A321XLR enables a host of new direct routes, offering natural growth opportunities to our customers and the travelling public. It provides airlines with the efficiency of commonality inside the A320/A321 product range and its versatile cabin a range of service possibilities that are just unique. It is quintessential Airbus!”
Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus
The A321XLR provides efficiency through commonality with the A320/A321 product range. Its versatile cabin allows for unique service possibilities.
Airbus will now focus on preparing the A321XLR for its first commercial missions. The company plans to support customers in integrating the aircraft into their fleets.
This certification marks a significant milestone in Airbus’s long-range, single-aisle aircraft development. It positions the A321XLR to potentially reshape medium-haul air travel markets.
Best Narrowbody Jet in the Market
The Airbus A321XLR offers airlines the flexibility to operate alongside widebody aircraft. It can add capacity, open new routes, or maintain existing ones during variable demand periods.
The A321XLR burns 30% less fuel per seat compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft. It operates at approximately half the trip cost of modern widebodies.
Airbus designed the A321XLR with a new Airspace cabin, providing long-haul comfort across all classes.
The aircraft completed its maiden flight in June 2022. Airbus then conducted an extensive test program using three test aircraft.
As of July 2024, airlines have ordered over 500 A321XLRs. This high order number indicates strong market interest in the aircraft’s capabilities.
Wizz Air and IndiGo Plans with A321XLR
Wizz Air (W6), a Hungary-based ultra-low-cost carrier, plans to enter the Indian market in 2025. The airline aims to connect European cities with Indian destinations at competitive prices.
CEO Jozsef Varadi identified high air travel costs between Europe and India as a major barrier for the Indian diaspora. Wizz Air seeks to address this issue.
The airline will use Airbus A321XLR aircraft, joining its fleet in early 2025, to offer non-stop services. These flights will cover the distance in about 8 to 8.5 hours.
Wizz Air targets an average one-way fare of 200 euros (over 18,000 Indian Rupees), with potential fares below 100 euros. The airline is in talks with Indian and European regulators to launch operations.
IndiGo (6E), India’s leading airline with over 60% domestic market share, plans to incorporate the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet around 2025. This addition aims to boost IndiGo’s international presence.
CEO Pieter Elbers announced IndiGo’s goal to double in size by 2030. The airline will add new domestic and international routes to achieve this growth.
The A321XLR will allow IndiGo to expand its reach to European and Asian destinations. Elbers specifically mentioned Athens, Seoul, and Rome as potential new cities in IndiGo’s network.
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