Airbus’ first A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) successfully completed its maiden flight on June 15, 2022.
The plane took off from Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport in Germany for a test flight that lasted about four hours and 35 minutes.
The aircraft crew consisted of experimental test pilots Thierry Diez and GabrielDiaz de Villegas Giron, as well as test engineers Frank Hohmeister, Philippe Pupin and Mehdi Zeddoun. During the flight, the crew tested the aircraft‘s flight controls, engines and major systems, including flight envelope, high- and low-speed protections.
Philippe Mhun, Airbus EVP Programs and Services said: “This is a major milestone for the A320 Family and its customers worldwide. With the entry into service of the A321XLR, airlines will be able to offer long-haul comfort on a single-aisle aircraft, thanks to its unique Airspace cabin. The A321XLR will open new roads with unbeatable economic and environmental performance. Commissioning is scheduled for early 2024.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step in the A320neo family of single-aisle aircraft, meeting market demands for increased range and payload, creating more value for airlines by enabling economically viable services on routes longer than any other comparable aircraft model.
The A321XLR will offer an unprecedented single-aisle aircraft range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. By the end of May 2022, the A320neo Family had accumulated over 8,000 orders from over 130 customers worldwide. A321XLR orders totaled more than 500 from more than 20 customers.
