A321XLR takes off

AIRBUS’ new A321XLR has successfully completed its first extended test flight, leaving the manufacturer’s Airbus Hamburg-Finkenwerder airport on Wed.

During the flight lasting more than four hours, the crew tested flight controls, engines and main systems, with the operation a key milestone leading up to the planned 2024 commercial debut of the aircraft.

The A321XLR is an evolution of the A320neo single-aisle family of aircraft, with a huge 8,700km range and 30% lower fuel consumption per seat.

Airbus already has more than 500 of the aircraft on order.