Delays stemming from problems at Airbus at the beginning of 2024 have pushed back expected delivery of the new long-range A321XLR to Qantas to April 2025.
In its delivery update, as part of the airline’s H1 report, the airline amended its forecast from late 2024 to Q2 2025.
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The Airbus production of its next-generation efficient long-range passenger jet has been held up by supply chain issues, along with delays to its certification process.
The original Entry into Service (EIS) date was set for 2023 when the project began in 2019, but it had been pushed back twice before the latest delays.
It was first delayed until 2024, and in May the manufacturer confirmed the EIS would be pushed back to Q3 of this year.
The latest update on the certification and EIS of the plane was published by Airbus in July, when the XLR was granted EASA Type Certification.
“With the certification, we have reached a key milestone. The next step is to prepare the aircraft for its first commercial missions with customers worldwide. We look forward to working with XLR customers to support the integration of the aircraft in their fleets,” said Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer.
Although more than 500 aircraft have been ordered, and the XLR was introduced to airlines and the public at air shows across Europe, the Qantas revelation is another blow to the plane maker.
Certification of the Pratt & Whitney engine version used on the XLR is slated for later in 2024, according to Airbus.
