EASA details rigorous process for certifying new planes like Airbus A321XLR

Aircraft certification follows a four-step process, with an optional pre-stage consultation offered through EASA's Innovation Services. This early support aims to minimize risks by addressing potential regulatory gaps before moving on to technical familiarization and certification basis stages.

“At this stage, their concept for the aircraft needs to be already well defined,” explained EASA regarding this phase of development. The final product may have slight deviations from its original design if justified.

Once compliance is demonstrated across various systems such as airframe and engines, EASA issues a TC allowing commercial service entry while continuing monitoring for airworthiness standards.

The Airbus A321XLR's certification was highlighted as an example. The rear central tank (RCT), considered a significant change from its predecessor A321neo due to novel design aspects not covered by current specifications, required special conditions focusing on safety measures.

“In the run-up to certification, EASA and Airbus held over 400 joint meetings of technical experts,” according to an official statement. Following these efforts, EASA certified the A321XLR on July 19th; Iberia received it on October 30th with its first commercial flight scheduled shortly after.