A321XLR: Likely delay in delivery!

Touted as a game-changer that could see single-aisle long-haul travel, the A321XLR has hit a roadblock in the form of regulatory issues surrounding its additional fuel tank that was to be fused directly into the fuselage. Added to that are supply chain woes. When all that was settled came news that the certification process has extended the timeline, with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury acknowledging that the process is taking longer than initially anticipated. The aircraft could now see a delay in the entry for service with the timeline moving to likely late 2024. An insight into the developments.

Airbus has officially announced a delay in the service entry date for its A321XLR model, pushing it back to the third quarter of 2024.

This postponement comes after the service entry date for the A321XLR was initially set for 2023 but was subsequently rescheduled to 2024. The delay was prompted by concerns raised by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regarding the additional rear fuel tank integrated into the aircraft's design. Specifically, there were worries about a potential reduction in range, estimated at 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres), due to necessary design adjustments to the rear fuel tank. However, Airbus has since addressed these concerns, reportedly resolving the issue surrounding the potential range reduction.

Currently, Airbus is in the final stages of completing the certification process for the A321XLR. The aircraft manufacturer is striving to ensure that the model is prepared for delivery by the third quarter of 2024. However, the delay in the certification process has extended the timeline, with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury acknowledging that the process is taking longer than initially anticipated.

During Airbus's annual press conference with the media, Faury provided updates on the A321XLR's certification process, noting that it is in its final stages. Faury reaffirmed that the aircraft will meet airlines' expectations regarding range and emphasized its role as a solid addition to the A320neo aircraft family lineup.

"We are finalizing the documents required for certification, and as you know, there are thousands of them. Additionally, preparations for the first deliveries are underway. The first A321XLR entered the Final Assembly Line at the end of last year," Faury stated.