The European airframer, Airbus has announced that the first A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) has accomplished its first flight. The aircraft with tail number MSN 11000 took off from Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport for the test flight lasting for approximately four hours and 35 minutes.
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, the release added.
Philippe Mhun, EVP Programmes and Services, Airbus said, 'This is a major milestone for the A320 Family and its customers worldwide. With the A321XLR coming into service, airlines will be able to offer long-haul comfort on a single aisle aircraft, thanks to its unique Airspace cabin.”
The crew consisted of experimental test pilots Thierry Diez and Gabriel Diaz de Villegas Giron, as well as test engineers Frank Hohmeister, Philippe Pupin and Mehdi Zeddoun.
The newest member to the A320 family, the A321XLR will deliver a range of up to 4,700nm (8700 km), with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise over the existing A321 Neo. The aircraft is expected to enter into service by 2024.
Indigo is one of the key and buyers for the aircraft type. With the A321XLR, the India based airline plans to add some international routes including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome and Barcelona in the West and Beijing, Seoul Incheon, and Japan in the East. As of May end, Airbus claims to have 500 orders for the new aircraft type from over 20 customers. The A320 Neo family has accumulated over 8,000 orders from over 130 customers worldwide.