Industry A321LR successfully completes maiden flight

The aircraft powered by CFM Leap-1A engines is now set to undergo a nearly 100 hour flight test programme, including trans-Atlantic missions, for EASA and FAA Type Certification in Q2 2018. Entry into service is targeted for Q4 2018. During the flight, the crew tested the aircraft’s flight controls, engines and main systems including flight envelope protections, both at high and low speed.

Klaus Roewe, Head of A320 Programme stated: “Thanks to its outstanding performance and unbeatable efficiency, the A321LR will allow our customers to perform flights of up to 4,000nm, allowing them to open new routes – for example transatlantic - and conquer new markets.”

The A321LR features a new door configuration, enabling its operators to accommodate up to 240 passengers in Airbus’ widest Single Aisle fuselage in the sky. With further options, combining an increased Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of 97 tonnes and a third Additional Centre Fuel Tank (ACT), the aircraft’s range extends to 4000nm (7400 km), allowing airlines to operate long-haul flights with the A321.

With up to 240 passengers, the Airbus A321 is a “middle-of-the-market” product which is located between the traditional single aisle aircraft like the A321 and the smaller long-haul aircraft like the Boeing 787 or the Airbus A330. Since Boeing stopped the production of the Boeing 757 in 2004, the market segment for an aircraft for 220-250 passengers for medium- and long haul operations is uncovered. Especially low cost carriers could use the new jet to offer long haul flights from less frequented secondary hubs, for example for flights between Europe and North America. Canadian carrier Transat and the Irish IAG Group carrier Aer Lingus have both ordered A321 for long haul transatlantic operations. Norwegian Air Shuttle has ordered 30 Airbus A321LR. Portugal’s TAP has ordered eight A321LR and could use them to connect Lisbon and Porto with destinations in South America and the USA. Airbus’s US competitor Boeing is currently considering the development of a new Boeing 797 jet, which could compete with the Airbus A321LR.