The A321XLR’s 13-Hour Test Flight: What Does This Mean?
, 2022-12-18 12:33:29,
LONDON – With Airbus completing a staggering 13-hour test flight with the A321XLR, what does this mean for the industry going into the future?
Airbus was keen to highlight its longevity in range to customers by flying a route that spells out “XLR” in the skies for those in the industry to see.
With this in mind, let’s see what this test flight from the A321XLR means for the industry going into the future.
Airbus Shows It Can Be Done: Narrowbody-Longer Haul Travel…

Official airborne testing of the aircraft type commenced in June 2022, when the aircraft completed an initial four-hour and 35-minute test.
It also began the journey of a two-year test program, with the expectation of entry-into-service to occur in early 2024.
At the time, Philippe Mhun, Airbus’ EVP of Programmes and Services, said the following on the first flight:
“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 A321XLR will open new routes with unbeatable economics and environmental performance.”
This 13-hour test flight marks another milestone in the program and shows the world that such a long flight for a narrowbody aircraft can be done.
When the aircraft enters service, this could potentially set a precedent for how long-haul…
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