Airbus A321XLR Takes Maiden Flight; Targets Entry into Service for Early 2024

(16 June 2022, 09:59 +07)  The first Airbus first A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) completed its maiden flight on Wednesday.

The aircraft, MSN 11000, took off from Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport at 11:05 CEST for a test flight which lasted approximately four hours and 35 minutes.

The aircraft’s crew consisted of experimental test pilots Thierry Diez and Gabriel Diaz 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 main systems, including flight envelope protections, both at high and low speed.

Airbus A321XLR takes off on maiden flight

Philippe Mhun, Airbus EVP Programmes and Services, said, "This is a major milestone for the A320 Family and its customers worldwide. With the A321XLR coming into service, 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 routes with unbeatable economics and environmental performance."

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step in the A320neo single-aisle Family of aircraft, meeting market requirements for increased range and payload.

The A321XLR will have a range of up to 4,700nm (8700 km), 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, A321XLR orders stood at more than 500 from over 20 customers.

Entry into service is targeted for early 2024.

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