European Regulators Greenlight RTX’s GTF Engines for Airbus A321XLR
Date: Feb. 24, 2025
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX subsidiary based in East Hartford, Connecticut, has announced that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted certification for its GTF engine on the Airbus A321XLR. This significant milestone follows updates made to the PW1100G-JM engine’s type certificates, which now cover the A321XLR. The certification from EASA was awarded on February 7, with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) providing approval on December 12, 2024.
Rick Deurloo, the president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, stated, “The GTF represents the most fuel-efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft, and today’s certification from EASA is a pivotal achievement for our program. The GTF-powered Airbus A321XLR will enable longer range missions and enhanced payload capabilities, opening new routing possibilities while lowering operational costs for our clients.”
As reported by Airbus, the A321XLR is designed to use 30% less fuel per seat compared to its predecessors. A total of 13 clients have opted for GTF engines to power 217 A321XLR aircraft, with Wizz Air set to be the first airline to operate this advanced model. So far, over 2,200 aircraft powered by GTF engines have been delivered to more than 80 customers worldwide. The upcoming GTF Advantage engine configuration will further enhance performance with increased take-off thrust and improved operating economics.
Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, highlighted, “The A321XLR is already proving its versatility with transatlantic operations. With the certification and impending service entry of the GTF-powered A321XLR, we anticipate more operators adopting this revolutionary aircraft. This also holds advantages for passengers, as they will enjoy new direct city connections and an improved level of cabin comfort.”
The A321XLR is strategically positioned alongside widebody aircraft within airline fleets, providing the flexibility to boost capacity, initiate new routes, or maintain current services as demand fluctuates, all while achieving a 30% reduction in fuel consumption per seat compared to rival models. The aircraft is equipped with the innovative Airspace cabin, ensuring long-haul comfort for travelers across all classes.
For more details on this certification, visit the following article: Airbus A321XLR receives EASA type certification.
