Airbus A321XLR Successfully Completed Its First Flight

Airbus A321XLR - Photo source: Sylvain Ramadier - Airbus

On Wednesday, June 15th, the Airbus A321XLR (Xtra Long Range), Airbus' largest narrow-body aircraft, successfully performed its maiden flight. The aircraft took off at 09:05 (UTC) from Airbus factory in Hamburg, Germany, and landed at 13:38 (UTC).

Airbus is launching the A321XLR as a game-changing addition to its narrow-body aircraft portfolio, allowing airlines and carriers to serve long-haul routes with a narrow-body aircraft rather than a wide-body aircraft, shortening flight and routes and reducing costs.

And we have first flight! ????
The game-changing #A321XLR stretching its wings for the first time - kicking off its flight test campaign.
???? Wondering what a first flight is about? Check out this video: https://t.co/Yz8d4m8JuB pic.twitter.com/Lnf95RaNZ9
— Airbus (@Airbus) June 15, 2022

Airbus A321XLR First Flight Tweet on June 15, 20222

The Airbus A321XLR has a range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), 15% more than current versions of the A321, allowing airlines to operate flights like New York to Rome and other routes within this 4,700-nautical-mile range.