Airbus A321XLR Certification Near - Is This Single-Aisle Powerhouse SAFE for Long-Haul?

The Airbus A321XLR is on the cusp of certification, promising to shake up transatlantic travel. This single-aisle aircraft boasts a whopping 8,700 km range thanks to clever engineering and a rear fuel tank. Airlines are excited, with Iberia eager to be the launch customer. Get ready for potentially cheaper and more flexible transatlantic flights!
Visuals: Airbus

[@arshadrana1572]

Good brief Introduction-- One thing worth mentioning:- The aircraft range is always stated in Nautical Miles, not in Kilometres, which is 4700 NM for A321XLR

[@ihmcallister]

EASA asked Airbus to modify the XLR fuel tank to improve safety. Airbus completed that work and followed the full legal certification process. Quite unlike Boeing certifying the 737 MAX, which the FAA delegated to Boeing, who knowingly rushed and cheated the process, leading directly to 346 deaths.

[@Shahrdad]

The 757 is a twin engine, single aisle plane, and it has been flying transatlantic nonstop for years. And before the advent of the 747, the 707, DC-8, VC-10, and the Comet were all single aisle planes that flew non-stop transatlantic flights.

[@barmalini]

In the 60s and 70s there was the saying "If it's not Boeing, I'm not going". They've lost all that. Wall Street management has no idea what a modern airplane should be.

[@Shahrdad]

@@barmalini My brother worked for Boeing (on the 777) before the merger with McDonnell Douglas, and he said that they were fanatical about the engineering and the quality. Nothing left the floor unless it was perfect. And then the stock returns became more important than building the best planes in the world.

[@barmalini]

I think it's great that Airbus has not set out to take advantage of Boeing's misfortunes, but has become a leader in the aviation industry in fair competition, through technical excellence and respect for its customers. Good luck Airbus, let the sky be the only limit for you

[@eduardodaquiljr9637]

What will happen to a350 if this plane 321 compit to long range travel?

[@bruceketcheson4877]

completely different usage scenario. They don't compete against each other at all

[@barmalini]

different tools for different jobs

[@guillermojimenezcastelblan8456]

The E-TOPS rules allows that fligth, but there is not any revolutionary far beyond the low fuel burning and engine emissions, a mandatory trend in today`s airlines business. It`s like old wine in new bottle, I mean, the cabin is single isle, 3+3 side by side seats configuration, 190 pax more or less, and setting apart info entertainment stuff, the feeling is closer to bringing back any B 707-320 or DC 8- Super 60/63 jet airliner, but more effective in overall performance, economically speaking. Any way is remarkable Airbus`s gamble, they did it and if Boeing stays asleep, let`s forget about it, this is the "new" A 321 XLR north atlantic former 4 engine jet airliner. Good show, any doubt about it.

[@Vladimirthetiny]

@@guillermojimenezcastelblan8456 Mate you're full of hearsay & outdated info, ETOPS is history since 2012. Talk about EDTO ICAO Annex 6 (part D) and you would be accurate. 🤣🤣🤣