Airbus has provided an update on the A321XLR, indicating that it is in the final stages of the certification process. This announcement coincides with the imminent commencement of the Farnborough International Airshow.

Five-year campaign

The European aircraft manufacturer would like to inform you that the certification process commenced in 2019, when Airbus formally submitted an application to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and held an introductory meeting.

Despite the onset of the pandemic in 2020, which significantly impacted the aviation industry, the certification campaign progressed with the design phase, which was already well underway at that time.

Subsequently, Airbus disseminated approved technical diagrams for the assembly and production of primary component assemblies (MCAs) and conveyed them to the final assembly line (FAL) situated at Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport (XFW).

By the conclusion of 2021, the terminal assembly stage (MG9) was in progress for the inaugural of three A321XLR prototypes that would commence the flight test campaign. The initial flight tests for this model commenced on June 15, 2022, surpassing two years ago.

As per Airbus, the three test A321XLR aircraft have accumulated approximately 1,450 flight hours (FH) over 510 flights. Furthermore, extensive ground tests have been conducted, resulting in the submission of over 700 individual documents to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The company noted that the A321XLR will initially be certified with the CFM International LEAP-1A engine, followed by the certification of the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-powered A321XLRs.

A substantial certification endeavor

Airbus further elaborated that while numerous modifications have been made to its aircraft over the years, the certification process for the A321XLR presented a unique challenge. A straightforward amendment to the type certificate (TC) data sheet (TCDS) was deemed insufficient for this particular aircraft type.

The A321XLR Is equipped with a rear center tank (RCT) that enables it to fly up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,704 kilometers) in ideal weather conditions. This is achieved by sacrificing some cargo space.

The manufacturer emphasized that the primary distinction between the A321neo and its derivatives and the A321XLR lies in the incorporation of an innovative fuel system, novel fiber-metal laminate materials with enhanced fire retardant properties, and a newly designed, larger, and reinforced belly fairing.

The Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was a subject of extensive deliberations among regulatory authorities, primarily due to the manufacturer’s innovative design of integrating the fuel tank as an integral part of the fuselage. This approach deviated from conventional practices, where fuel tanks are typically separate from the fuselage.

Nearing the conclusion of the certification process

Despite the challenges, Airbus reported that in 2024, its engineering team diligently focused on implementing and finalizing all the concerns outlined by EASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The manufacturer emphasized its extensive collaboration with regulatory authorities to guarantee the safety of the RCT design and its associated structures.

The organization further communicated that its flight test teams had successfully accomplished the certification process for the CFM-powered A321XLR variant, which is anticipated to commence operational service with Iberia in the latter part of 2024.

The airline’s previous schedules indicated that the A231XLR would operate between Madrid Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in November, with flights already available for reservation.

Airbus reported that MSN 11000 and MSN 11058 have achieved significant milestones. MSN 11000 successfully completed CAT III autoland system tests under diverse wind conditions and finalized all remaining flight tests.

Meanwhile, MSN 11058, equipped with the CFM International LEAP-1A engine, completed its designated tasks, paving the way for the airframe to proceed with the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine certification process.

In the meantime, the third A321XLR flight test aircraft, MSN 11080, was equipped with a full cabin and utilized for route-proving missions involving passengers, with the participation of launch airlines.

Additionally, the aircraft underwent four days of cold-weather ground testing of the cabin in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada.

Imminent certification

Airbus has determined that the TC of the CFM-powered A321XLR is "imminent" after the program teams completed the 'readiness for service entry' stage of the certification campaign.

The manufacturer also mentioned that certification of the PW1100G-powered aircraft will come at a later date.

According to ch-aviation data, 24 airlines have placed orders for 496 A321XLR aircraft, with carriers from different regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Latin America. The site's records also indicated the presence of some unassigned aircraft.