Accelerating advancements in flight testing: The A321XLR takes to the skies for evaluation
The Airbus A321XLR flight-test program is well underway, with four test aircraft being developed to evaluate the new long-range single-aisle aircraft.
Two Flight Test Aircraft Already in Service
According to industry information on Airbus test programs, the A321XLR flight-test campaign involves two flight test aircraft [4]. The first two new-build A321XLR test aircraft, MSN11000 (FTV1) and MSN11058 ('FTV2'), are already in service. Equipped with the full suite of flight-test instrumentation (FTI) and engineer interactive stations, these aircraft are ready to commence testing.
Ground Tests and Flight Campaign
As of early August 2025, the prototype was undergoing final ground tests ahead of the flight campaign [2]. The completion of these tests marks the beginning of the flight campaign phase for the A321XLR.
Certification Delays and Delivery Adjustments
Certification delays, including design changes for fuel tank fire safety, have postponed entry-into-service dates. As a result, deliveries to launch customers like United Airlines have shifted from early 2026 to mid-2026 [1][3].
Testing and Evaluation
The A321XLR's test programme will evaluate flight control system evolutions, aerodynamic changes, and modifications to the high-lift system and flight control system. For instance, MSN6839 has performed 'velocity minimum unstick' (VMU) tests, determining operational takeoff speeds for airline pilots.
The new inboard flap system has been retrofitted into MSN6839, making it aerodynamically equivalent to the A321XLR once the landing gear is retracted. FTV1 and FTV2, with their respective engine types, CFM LEAP-1As for FTV1 and P&W GTF engines for FTV2, will focus on the aircraft's technical systems, updated flight controls, handling, and performance.
Future Testing and Maturity Testing
The third new-build aircraft, MSN11080 (FTV3), powered by CFM LEAP engines, will focus more on maturity testing of the passenger cabin interior elements and route-proving for customers. FTV3's duties will also focus on demonstrating the aircraft's operation on the expected route scenarios for its customers, especially demanding ones to validate the aircraft's operation at the extremities of take-off weights, range, runway constraints, ground temperatures, and weather conditions.
Two more prototypes of the A321XLR development aircraft are in advanced stages of manufacture and will join the certification flight-test campaign.
Parallel Certification of Engine Types
Jean-Philippe Cottet, head of Flight Tests, states that they are certifying the two engine types in parallel on the A321XLR in the same timescale, a first in their history. Notable flight-physics-related changes on the -XLR include a simpler single-slotted inboard flap system, an electronically signalled "e-Rudder", and uprated landing gear, wheels, and brakes.
Ongoing Ground Lab Testing
Ground lab testing is ongoing to finalise the serial standard modifications for the A321XLR. Gary O'Donnell, Head of the A321XLR programme, expects the three aircraft to be flying actively by the fourth quarter of 2022.
The global flight testing for the A321XLR will be fully underway once the development aircraft are all flying. Completion of these activities and submission of all final documents to the airworthiness authorities at the end of 2023 will allow for the validation and certification of the complete aircraft.
[1] Airbus A321XLR certification delayed due to EASA fire safety concerns
[2] Airbus A321XLR prototype undergoing final ground tests ahead of flight campaign
[3] United Airlines delays Airbus A321XLR deliveries to summer 2026
[4] Airbus A321XLR flight-test campaign explained
The test aircraft FTV1 and FTV2, both equipped with flight-test instrumentation, are already in service for the A321XLR flight-test program, which is evaluating the new long-range single-aisle aircraft. In the finance sector, United Airlines has adjusted their delivery schedule for the A321XLR, with deliveries now expected in mid-2026 due to certification delays. Meanwhile, in the highly specialized aerospace industry, the development of the third new-build aircraft, MSN11080 (FTV3), is focused on maturity testing of the passenger cabin interior elements and route-proving for customers.
