Airbus A321XLR

Airbus A321XLR. The Airbus A321XLR is a long-range variant of the Airbus A321neo family, designed to be the longest-range single-aisle aircraft in production. Developed by the European aerospace corporation Airbus, it aims to open new transatlantic and other long-haul routes with superior fuel efficiency. The aircraft completed its maiden flight in 2022 and is slated for entry into service with airlines in 2024.

Development and background

The program was officially launched at the Paris Air Show in June 2019, responding to strong market demand for increased range and payload in the single-aisle segment. Its development is a strategic move within the intense competition with rival Boeing and its proposed New Midsize Airplane. Key drivers included the desire of airlines like American Airlines and International Airlines Group to operate longer, thinner routes more profitably. The design builds directly on the success of the earlier long-range variant, the Airbus A321LR, extending its capabilities significantly. Major structural and systems work is conducted at Airbus facilities in Hamburg and Broughton.

Design and features

The most significant modification is a new, permanent Rear Centre Tank (RCT) integrated into the aircraft's lower fuselage, providing a substantial increase in fuel capacity. This design, developed in partnership with suppliers like Spirit AeroSystems, eliminates the need for additional Auxiliary Power Unit fuel tanks used in the Airbus A321LR. Aerodynamic improvements include redesigned winglets, known as Sharklets, and optimised flight control software. The cabin is configurable in typical two-class layouts for around 180 to 220 passengers, featuring the latest Airspace cabin interiors with larger overhead bins and enhanced LED lighting.

Operational history

The prototype, registered as F-WXLR, performed its first flight from Finkenwerder airport in Hamburg on 13 June 2022. The flight test campaign subsequently utilized additional aircraft to certify systems including the new fuel tank and extended-range operational procedures. The program faced regulatory scrutiny from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the safety of the new fuel tank design, leading to some design revisions. The first delivery is anticipated to International Airlines Group's airline Iberia in mid-2024, with initial routes expected to connect Europe with the East Coast of the United States and deeper into North America.

Specifications (A321XLR)

Typical configuration accommodates 180 to 220 passengers in a two-class layout. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM or CFM International LEAP-1A turbofan engines. Maximum take-off weight is approximately 101 metric tons. The key performance metric is a maximum range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), which enables routes such as London to Phoenix or Rome to Chicago. Wingspan measures 35.8 meters, and overall length is 44.51 meters.

Orders and deliveries

Major customers include American Airlines, United Airlines, IndiGo, and Qantas, alongside lessors like Air Lease Corporation. As of early 2024, firm orders for the type exceed 500 aircraft from a diverse group of carriers worldwide. The final assembly line for the model is located in Hamburg, with major components produced across the European Union and the United Kingdom. Initial deliveries are scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2024, marking the start of its commercial service phase.

Category:Airbus aircraft Category:Single-aisle aircraft Category:Airliners introduced in the 2020s