Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

EASA has certified the version of the Airbus A321XLR narrowbody airliner equipped with Pratt &amp; Whitney’s PW1100G-JM geared turbofan (GTF) engine.&nbsp;Announcing the news on February 21, Pratt &amp; Whitney said it had updated the PW1100G-JM engine’s type certificates with both the European air safety regulator and the FAA added the A321XLR model.
EASA’s certification of the GTF-powered A321XLR comes seven months after it certified the initial version of the aircraft <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-07-19/leap-powered-airbus-a321xlr-wins-easa-type-certification">with Leap 1A engines</a>, which are built by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. The FAA certified the GTF-powered A321XLR in December, two months after it approved the Leap-powered version.&nbsp;
“The GTF is the most fuel-efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft, and today's certification from EASA is a key milestone for the program,” said Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines at Pratt &amp; Whitney. “The GTF-powered Airbus A321XLR will provide longer range and higher payload capability, enabling new route options while reducing operating costs for our customers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;
A derivative of the popular A321neo single-aisle jetliner, the A321XLR (“Xtra Long Range”) can seat up to 244 passengers and has a maximum range of 4,700 nm—up from 4,000 nm in the A321LR. According to Airbus, the A321XLR burns 30% less fuel per seat than narrowbody airliners flying today.&nbsp;
Airbus said 13 airline customers have selected the GTF engines to power a total of 217 A321XLR on order. The launch customer for that version of the airliner will be Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air. Spanish flag carrier Iberia was the launch customer for the Leap-powered version and accepted its first deliveries in October 2024.
“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,” said Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial 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.”

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

EASA Certifies Airbus A321XLR with Pratt & Whitney GTF Engines

First A321XLR airliner with Pratt & Whitney’s engines will enter service this year

EASA has certified the Airbus A321XLR narrowbody airliner powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G-JM geared turbofan (GTF) engines.

EASA Certifies GTF-powered Airbus A321XLR

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

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News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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