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

“Ill-judged and short-sighted”: Virgin Atlantic slams London Heathrow terminal shakeup
Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 landing at Heathrow Airport
“Ill-judged and short-sighted”: Virgin Atlantic slams London Heathrow terminal shakeup
The changes will increase the required transit time for passengers connecting between Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines.
Aerospace

1 Nov 2026

AI and automation in aviation: which UK jobs are most at risk?
Aircraft landing at Heathrow Airport
AI and automation in aviation: which UK jobs are most at risk?
Automation is changing the way airlines and airports operate, and some traditional roles are becoming less common. Which aviation jobs are most at risk, and what does this mean for the people who keep the industry moving?
Aerospace

1 Nov 2026

Birmingham Airport gets nonstop link to Toronto as Air Transat resumes flights after 9-year hiatus
Air Transat A321LR taking off from Toulouse.
Birmingham Airport gets nonstop link to Toronto as Air Transat resumes flights after 9-year hiatus
Air Transat is returning to Birmingham with a twice-weekly nonstop service to Toronto Pearson starting June 2027 after a 9-year hiatus.
Galvion awarded Latvian helmet framework contract
Galvion Hellbender helmet
Galvion awarded Latvian helmet framework contract
Under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, Galvion has received a Hellbender helmet systems contract for the Latvian armed forces.
Defence Member News

2 Nov 2026

What does it take to supply the MOD?
Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
What does it take to supply the MOD?
Breaking into defence procurement takes more than a good product or service. Here we take a look at how UK SMEs can find opportunities, meet MOD requirements and build lasting relationships across the defence supply chain.
Defence

31 Oct 2026

Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
Former Defence Secretary John Healey MP is given a tour of the UK's Storm Shadow production line at MBDA's facility in Stevenage on 31 May 2025. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
The UK government has launched a new offsets policy requiring foreign defence suppliers to invest in UK jobs, factories, and local supply chains starting April 2027.
Defence Security

30 Oct 2026

Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation from His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.
Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
HRH The Duke of Gloucester has presented Plextek with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its PLX-T60 sensing platform.
UK sets out plans for quantum technology in space, with secure satellites and navigation as priorities
Quantum Growth Alliance
UK sets out plans for quantum technology in space, with secure satellites and navigation as priorities
The UK Space Agency has released a roadmap to deploy quantum sensors, secure communications, and GPS-independent navigation aboard satellites by 2035.
Security Space

30 Oct 2026

Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
Former Defence Secretary John Healey MP is given a tour of the UK's Storm Shadow production line at MBDA's facility in Stevenage on 31 May 2025. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
The UK government has launched a new offsets policy requiring foreign defence suppliers to invest in UK jobs, factories, and local supply chains starting April 2027.
Defence Security

30 Oct 2026

Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Cambridge Pixel radar tracker for Garmin radars
Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Support for Garmin's Fantom and GMR xHD marine radars gives maritime developers and systems integrators greater flexibility when selecting sensors for new projects.