Airbus has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its A321XLR, with the recent approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to install mini-suites in the cabin. As reported by Flight Global.

This approval is a crucial step forward for Airbus, marking a notable expansion in the aircraft’s cabin offerings, including specialized suites designed to assist passengers with reduced mobility.

Earlier this year, Airbus sought authorization from the FAA for these mini-suite installations on behalf of a US operator. This approval extends beyond the previously approved A321neo variants, demonstrating Airbus’s commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and accessibility.

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The new mini-suites will feature ‘PRM-suites’—a designation for suites specifically designed to aid passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). These PRM-suites will be integrated into the cabin to facilitate easier boarding, disembarkation, and movement during the flight.

The FAA approval document details that the PRM-suites will be situated alongside other mini-suites and will include a movable wall and door. When deployed, the movable wall functions as a temporary door, seamlessly integrating with the adjacent mini-suite to enhance accessibility.

This approval follows the recent Type Certification of the a321xlr by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The certification was officially presented to Airbus by Florian Guillermet, EASA’s Executive Director, and received by Isabelle Bloy, A321XLR Chief Engineer. The certification marks a pivotal moment as Airbus prepares for the a321xlr certification date anticipated entry into service by the end of summer.

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The A321XLR is distinguished by its impressive fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It consumes 30% less fuel per seat compared to previous generation competitors and offers approximately half the trip cost of modern widebody aircraft. The new Airspace cabin of the a321xlr certification promises to deliver long-haul comfort across all classes, further cementing Airbus’s position in the competitive long-range aircraft market.