Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • EASA certifies Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney

Aerospace

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.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.
 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Aurrigo opens advanced engineering hub in Coventry

Aerospace

Aurrigo opens advanced engineering hub in Coventry

22 April 2026

Provider of fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, Aurrigo, has announced the opening of its new UK Hub facility, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth and manufacturing capability.

Chapman Freeborn strengthens European passenger division

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn strengthens European passenger division

22 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has strengthened its European passenger division with new leadership appointments aimed at supporting growth across the region.

Aerospace Bristol appoints Lloyd Hughes as first COO

Aerospace

Aerospace Bristol appoints Lloyd Hughes as first COO

22 April 2026

Aerospace Bristol has appointed Lloyd Hughes as its first ever chief operating officer (COO), marking a significant milestone in the museum's development as it pursues its ambitious ten-year strategy to double visitor numbers and grow its commercial operations.

Hexagon unveils laser tech for aerospace inspections

Aerospace

Hexagon unveils laser tech for aerospace inspections

22 April 2026

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Business Area today unveiled new laser-guided solutions that make it possible – in some cases for the first time – to automate inaccessible and large-scale quality inspections in labour-intensive operations such as aircraft assembly.

Advertisement
ODU RT
GKN Aerospace awarded Rolls-Royce engine repair contract

Aerospace

GKN Aerospace awarded Rolls-Royce engine repair contract

21 April 2026

GKN Aerospace has been awarded a new five-year contract with Rolls-Royce covering fan blade repairs for the RB211-535, Trent 700 and Trent 800 engine programmes.

AerFin launches V2500 engine support capability

Aerospace

AerFin launches V2500 engine support capability

21 April 2026

AerFin has announced the launch of its V2500 engine support capability, expanding its engine MRO offering and reinforcing its position in the global aviation aftermarket.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner