Report: Airbus A321XLR Hits Snag, Delayed To 2024

Boeing has had a lot of issues recently, between the delivery of the Boeing 787 and the certification of the Boeing 777X. The problem with the new jet is minor by comparison, as reported by the news agency.

Airbus A321XLR faces fire safety concerns

The newest jet is the A321XLR. This will be the longest range plane in the world, as it is essentially an A321neo with an extra fuel tank. This plane will allow airlines to operate point-to-point flights that weren't previously viable, with a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles.

The jets were supposed to be delivered in 2023. In the United States, both American and United are relying on these planes to be able to add new long haul service.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is concerned about the progress of the A321XLR.

• The whole reason the A321XLR has extra range is because it has an extra fuel tank in the rear of the fuselage
• Regulators want Airbus to lessen the fire risk from the extra fuel tank
• Improvements to fire safety will likely add weight to the plane, which would reduce the range of the jet; after all, the heavier the plane is, the less fuel it can carry, and the less far it can fly

It isn't expected that the impact to range will be too major, though I know many airlines were hoping to use as much of the aircraft as possible, and every little bit helps.

Airbus A321XLR expected to be delayed to 2024

The latest issue is expected to delay the deliveries of the A321XLR. It's not a huge delay since deliveries were previously rumored to start in late 2023 and are now rumored to start in early 2024.

There is no certainty to the timelines until the jet is certified. The plane will likely feature increased scrutiny from the FAA in the United States, as well as being approved by the EASA.

The Boeing 777X was supposed to enter service in 2020, but has been delayed all the way to 2025. There is no indication that the A321XLR will face a delay that large, but the point is that these issues can cause rolling delays.

The first A321XLR is rolling out of the painshop.