The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a Type Certificate for the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney announced Wednesday. This certification follows a previous EASA approval in July 2024 for the A321XLR variant equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines.
The recent approval paves the way for the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines to enter service later this year.
“With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft,” said Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. He added that the aircraft’s versatility enables new direct city-to-city connections.
The A321XLR, which first flew in June 2022, has undergone extensive testing with three aircraft, according to Airbus. The manufacturer states the A321XLR burns 30% less fuel per seat than previous generation aircraft. The aircraft is designed to allow airlines flexibility to add capacity, open routes, or continue operating.
Pratt & Whitney, a business of RTX, received EASA type certificate updates for its PW1100G-JM engine to include the A321XLR on February 7, with prior U.S. Federal Aviation Administration approval granted on December 12, 2024.
“The GTF is the most fuel-efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft, and today’s certification from EASA is a key milestone for the program,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. He highlighted that the GTF-powered A321XLR will offer longer range and higher payload, reducing operating costs.
Airbus reports more than 500 A321XLRs have been ordered. Pratt & Whitney stated that 13 customers have selected GTF engines to power 217 A321XLR aircraft, with Wizz Air expected to be the first operator.
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