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

Bristol Airport funds three new projects to cut aviation emissions
Bristol Airport
Bristol Airport funds three new projects to cut aviation emissions
Chosen from a record number of applications, the projects target some of aviation's toughest decarbonisation challenges, from energy generation to alternative fuels.
Aerospace

30 Sep 2026

Airbus A350F takes flight for first time in major freighter milestone
A350F takes off on first flight
Airbus A350F takes flight for first time in major freighter milestone
Airbus’ new A350F has taken to the skies for the first time, beginning a 400-hour flight-test campaign for its next-generation large freighter.
Aerospace

29 Sep 2026

UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
The SB Co. Heavy-lift drone demo
UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
Innovate UK has brought The Structural Battery Company onboard its UK-Canada seabed to space programme.
UK records largest share of European defence manufacturing investment since 2024
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
UK records largest share of European defence manufacturing investment since 2024
From munitions plants to drone production lines, the UK has attracted more defence manufacturing projects than any other European nation since 2024, according to new research.
Defence

29 Sep 2026

UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
The SB Co. Heavy-lift drone demo
UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
Innovate UK has brought The Structural Battery Company onboard its UK-Canada seabed to space programme.
Shield AI and Kraken demonstrate autonomous USV teaming in Portsmouth
Shield AI and Kraken Technology Group demonstrate Hivemind
Shield AI and Kraken demonstrate autonomous USV teaming in Portsmouth
Shield AI is trialling its Hivemind mission software, using teaming and swarming technology originally developed for autonomous aircraft in maritime roles.
Defence

29 Sep 2026

UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
The SB Co. Heavy-lift drone demo
UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
Innovate UK has brought The Structural Battery Company onboard its UK-Canada seabed to space programme.
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
KBR's headquarters in Houston
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
The planned January 2027 separation will create a publicly traded company focused on national security and space.
Member News Security Space

28 Sep 2026

NSSLGlobal Group acquires MetOcean Telematics (UK) Ltd
NSSLGlobal
NSSLGlobal Group acquires MetOcean Telematics (UK) Ltd
Through this acquisition, NSSLGlobal has expanded its communications and security capabilities with asset tracking by satellite, cellular and radio for blue light, border force and security services.
ACUA Ocean and Forssea Robotics integrate ARGOS ROV with USV Pioneer
USV-ROV deployment
ACUA Ocean and Forssea Robotics integrate ARGOS ROV with USV Pioneer
The culmination of three weeks of operations in Plymouth have proved that fully remote subsea inspection and light intervention from an uncrewed surface vessel can be conducted safely in weather that conventional crewed vessels struggle to operate.
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
KBR's headquarters in Houston
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
The planned January 2027 separation will create a publicly traded company focused on national security and space.
Member News Security Space

28 Sep 2026

First Turkish Typhoon pilots begin training at RAF Coningsby
Turkish Air Force Pilots Begin Typhoon Training in the UK
First Turkish Typhoon pilots begin training at RAF Coningsby
Two Turkish combat pilots have joined RAF Coningsby for Typhoon conversion and instructor training ahead of the first deliveries in 2030.
Aerospace Defence Security

28 Sep 2026