FAA and EASA Certify A321LR

Tuesday, October 09, 2018 at 08:10 PM ET

Verified

The Airbus A321LR was certified by both the FAA and EASA last week, paving the way for the A321neo customers to start “Long Range” (LR) operations. Airbus

Key Takeaways:

The Airbus A321LR has received FAA and EASA certification for long-range flights (4,000 nm with reserves and 206 passengers) and ETOPS 180, utilizing additional underfloor fuel tanks.
The Airbus Cabin Flex (ACF) option for the A321 Neo was also approved, enabling a higher maximum takeoff weight of up to 107 tons through modified fuselage structure and door arrangements.
The A321LR is widely regarded as a suitable replacement for the long-out-of-production Boeing 757.

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The Airbus A321LR was last week certified by both the FAA and EASA, a move that allows the aircraft to hit a 4,000 nm destination with reserves, as well as ETOPS approval for flights on one engine while more than 180 nm from a suitable airport. That maximum range is possible with 206 passengers aboard. The A321 can hit its new long range by using up to three additional underfloor center fuel tanks to hold the necessary extra fuel.

The FAA and EASA also approved the A321 Neo’s Airbus Cabin Flex option, which utilizes a modified fuselage structure with new door arrangements and a maximum takeoff weight of up to 107 tons. Only A321 Neos with the new ACF can operate with the higher maximum takeoff weight.

The A321LR is seen by many as the first suitable replacement for Boeing’s venerable 757 that went out of production more than a decade ago.