DALLAS — Today, the Airbus A321XLR has received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The certification comes after a two-year period of flight tests, ground tests and airline demonstration campaigns. The first prototype flew in June 2022.

The new A321 variant is set to enter commercial service in November 2024. The launch customer, Iberia (IB) will operate it on its Madrid (MAD) to Boston (BOS) route. The A321XLR backlog includes over 500 orders, including from Qantas (QF), Icelandair (FI) and IAG Group. 

The aircraft is set to be showcased at the 2024 edition of the Farnborough Airshow. Airbus’ lineup will include Virgin Atlantic’s (VS) A330neo, JetBlue's (B6) A220-300 and Air India's (AI) A350-900XWB.

Comments from Airbus

"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!”, says Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus. 

“With the certification, we have reached a key milestone. The next step is to prepare the aircraft for its first commercial missions with customers worldwide. We look forward to working with XLR customers to support the integration of the aircraft in their fleets.”