The Airbus A321XLR, equipped with CFM International engines, has received certification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The certification was announced on October 5, 2024, but the inclusion of the A321-253NY in the type certificate data sheet (TCDS) for the A320 family was officially completed on December 5.

This certification by the FAA marks a new milestone for the European manufacturer as it progresses with the introduction of A321XLR aircraft equipped with LEAP-1A engines in the U.S. The model’s launch customer will be American Airlines, which selected CFM engines to power its aircraft.

However, certification for the A321-271NY, equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines, is still underway. According to Airbus, this certification was initially expected later in 2024 but has recently been delayed to 2025. The launch customer for this engine variant in the U.S. was expected to be JetBlue, but the airline has suspended deliveries of new aircraft until 2030.

Key certification details

The Airbus A321XLR has been certified by the FAA to carry 26,645 kilograms of fuel, with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 97 tons or 101 tons, depending on the aircraft version. Additionally, specific exemptions were approved based on the aircraft type, such as the crew’s ability to see the exterior of the emergency exit, regulations concerning the pressurization system, and the cabin configuration exceeding the maximum combined seat allowance for all Type II exits (floor-level exits).

The FAA also authorized Airbus to install and airlines to operate «minisuites» with doors and movable panels, such as the Flagship Suite, first introduced by American Airlines in 2022 on its Airbus A321LR. The configuration chosen by American for its XLRs will feature 20 Flagship Suite seats, 12 in premium economy, and 123 in economy class.

First steps of the A321XLR

On November 14, the first transatlantic commercial flight of an Airbus A321XLR was conducted by Iberia, which is currently operating the Madrid-Boston route with this aircraft. Starting in January 2025, Iberia is expected to expand its operations with this aircraft by adding Washington Dulles to its network.

The next airline to introduce the Airbus A321XLR will be Aer Lingus, which is expected to receive two A321XLR aircraft in the coming weeks. Both planes are undergoing test flights and are nearing their acceptance flights with the Irish carrier.

In the United States, the wait continues for the first A321XLR from American Airlines, which has yet to conduct any test flights. Chronologically, JetBlue would be next in line to receive an A321XLR, but the company has postponed all aircraft deliveries, including this model, until 2030.

As JetBlue has delayed its deliveries, United Airlines is set to become the second airline in the U.S. to receive the A321XLR, with delivery scheduled for January 2026.