Airbus has provided an update on the A321XLR, indicating that it is in the final stages of the certification process. This announcement coincides with the imminent commencement of the Farnborough International Airshow.
Five-year campaign
The European aircraft manufacturer would like to inform you
that the certification process commenced in 2019, when Airbus formally
submitted an application to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
and held an introductory meeting.
Despite the onset of the pandemic in 2020, which
significantly impacted the aviation industry, the certification campaign
progressed with the design phase, which was already well underway at that time.
Subsequently, Airbus disseminated approved technical
diagrams for the assembly and production of primary component assemblies (MCAs)
and conveyed them to the final assembly line (FAL) situated at
Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport (XFW).
By the conclusion of 2021, the terminal assembly stage (MG9)
was in progress for the inaugural of three A321XLR prototypes that would
commence the flight test campaign. The initial flight tests for this model
commenced on June 15, 2022, surpassing two years ago.
As per Airbus, the three test A321XLR aircraft have
accumulated approximately 1,450 flight hours (FH) over 510 flights.
Furthermore, extensive ground tests have been conducted, resulting in the
submission of over 700 individual documents to the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA).
The company noted that the A321XLR will initially be
certified with the CFM International LEAP-1A engine, followed by the
certification of the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-powered A321XLRs.
A substantial certification endeavor
Airbus further elaborated that while numerous modifications
have been made to its aircraft over the years, the certification process for
the A321XLR presented a unique challenge. A straightforward amendment to the
type certificate (TC) data sheet (TCDS) was deemed insufficient for this
particular aircraft type.
The A321XLR Is equipped with a rear center tank (RCT) that
enables it to fly up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,704 kilometers) in ideal
weather conditions. This is achieved by sacrificing some cargo space.
The manufacturer emphasized that the primary distinction
between the A321neo and its derivatives and the A321XLR lies in the
incorporation of an innovative fuel system, novel fiber-metal laminate
materials with enhanced fire retardant properties, and a newly designed,
larger, and reinforced belly fairing.
The Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was a subject of
extensive deliberations among regulatory authorities, primarily due to the
manufacturer’s innovative design of integrating the fuel tank as an integral
part of the fuselage. This approach deviated from conventional practices, where
fuel tanks are typically separate from the fuselage.
Nearing the conclusion of the certification process
Despite the challenges, Airbus reported that in 2024, its
engineering team diligently focused on implementing and finalizing all the
concerns outlined by EASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The
manufacturer emphasized its extensive collaboration with regulatory authorities
to guarantee the safety of the RCT design and its associated structures.
The organization further communicated that its flight test
teams had successfully accomplished the certification process for the
CFM-powered A321XLR variant, which is anticipated to commence operational
service with Iberia in the latter part of 2024.
The airline’s previous schedules indicated that the A231XLR
would operate between Madrid Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in November, with flights already
available for reservation.
Airbus reported that MSN 11000 and MSN 11058 have achieved
significant milestones. MSN 11000 successfully completed CAT III autoland
system tests under diverse wind conditions and finalized all remaining flight
tests.
Meanwhile, MSN 11058, equipped with the CFM International
LEAP-1A engine, completed its designated tasks, paving the way for the airframe
to proceed with the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine certification process.
In the meantime, the third A321XLR flight test aircraft, MSN
11080, was equipped with a full cabin and utilized for route-proving missions
involving passengers, with the participation of launch airlines.
Additionally, the aircraft underwent four days of
cold-weather ground testing of the cabin in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada.
Imminent certification
Airbus has determined that the TC of the CFM-powered A321XLR
is "imminent" after the program teams completed the 'readiness for
service entry' stage of the certification campaign.
The manufacturer also mentioned that certification of the
PW1100G-powered aircraft will come at a later date.
According to ch-aviation data, 24 airlines have placed
orders for 496 A321XLR aircraft, with carriers from different regions of the
world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and
Latin America. The site's records also indicated the presence of some
unassigned aircraft.