General Atomics

EASA certifies Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued the Type Certificate for the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

Above: A321XLR Test Aircraft powered by Pratt&Whitney engines taking off.
© Airbus Operations GmbH 2022


This follows the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A powered A321XLR in July 2024 and paves the way for the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines to enter into service later this year.  

Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said: "The A321XLR already displays its great versatility crossing the Atlantic in daily operations. With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft. It is also good news for our customers’ passengers who will benefit from the convenience of new direct city to city connections with a heightened level of cabin comfort.”

The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. In 2024, the A321XLR entered into service and so far more than 500 Airbus A321XLRs have been ordered.
 

Related

ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS Charity Cycle Ride group photo
ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS members are taking on a five-stage, 350-mile charity cycle from Belfast to Bristol, raising money for three causes while connecting colleagues and showcasing industry along the route.
London Stansted Airport enjoys its busiest month ever
Stansted
London Stansted Airport enjoys its busiest month ever
Last month Stansted Airport beat its previous monthly record, setting a new all time high of over 3.1 million passengers.
Aerospace

11 Aug 2026

Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopening: What needs to happen before flights return
Doncaster Sheffield Robin Hood Airport building exterior
Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopening: What needs to happen before flights return
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is moving closer to reopening after closing in 2022. Here is the latest on the work still required.
Aerospace Insights

11 Aug 2026

ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS Charity Cycle Ride group photo
ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS members are taking on a five-stage, 350-mile charity cycle from Belfast to Bristol, raising money for three causes while connecting colleagues and showcasing industry along the route.
UK targets Russian banks and shadow fleet in new sanctions package
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed President Zelenskyy to the UK.
UK targets Russian banks and shadow fleet in new sanctions package
Following President Zelenskyy's recent visit to the UK, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has introduced a range of sanctions on individuals and businesses helping facilitate Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Defence

11 Aug 2026

British Army trainees complete first CFS-endorsed drone operator course
British Army Eagle UAS training
British Army trainees complete first CFS-endorsed drone operator course
British Army personnel have completed the first Central Flying School-endorsed operator course for the Eagle uncrewed aerial system, marking a step towards more formalised drone training across the force.
Defence

11 Aug 2026

ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS Charity Cycle Ride group photo
ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS members are taking on a five-stage, 350-mile charity cycle from Belfast to Bristol, raising money for three causes while connecting colleagues and showcasing industry along the route.
HydroGNSS becomes first ESA Scout mission to complete in-orbit commissioning
HydroGNSS coherent channel detecting surface water at a high resolution, even when under a vegetation canopy.
HydroGNSS becomes first ESA Scout mission to complete in-orbit commissioning
Designed, built and operated by Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) for ESA, the HydroGNSS satellites are now able to provide data to researchers worldwide.
Member News Space

11 Aug 2026

UK opens £37m space infrastructure fund to take technologies from lab to mission
An artistic impression of the CLEAR mission
UK opens £37m space infrastructure fund to take technologies from lab to mission
A new £37 million UK Space Agency funding round will support the testing, manufacturing and scale-up infrastructure needed to help promising space technologies move from the laboratory towards commercial deployment and operational missions.
Most Read Space

11 Aug 2026

AXA XL’s S-RM acquisition puts UK manufacturing cyber resilience in focus
IT technician checks cyber security in the office
AXA XL’s S-RM acquisition puts UK manufacturing cyber resilience in focus
AXA XL’s acquisition of UK cyber consultancy S-RM comes as manufacturers face growing pressure to strengthen prevention, incident response and supply chain resilience.
Security

11 Aug 2026

ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS Charity Cycle Ride group photo
ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS members are taking on a five-stage, 350-mile charity cycle from Belfast to Bristol, raising money for three causes while connecting colleagues and showcasing industry along the route.
National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey results published
Police on patrol to protect Jewish citizens
National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey results published
The National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey 2026 - administered independently by Leapwise on behalf of Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) - is the largest of its kind ever conducted, providing a clear picture of the pressures police face in keeping us safe
Security

11 Aug 2026