Gallery: Airbus A321LR's first flight

January 31, 2018
Credit: Kurt Hofmann

The Airbus 321LR taxis to runway 23 at Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport on a rainy, windy day.

Credit: Kurt Hofmann

Take off

Credit: Kurt Hofmann

The flight pattern north of Hamburg.

Credit: Kurt Hofmann

After more than two hours' flying time, the aircraft made a low-pass over the Airbus factory in Finkenwerder. During the flight, the crew tested the aircraft’s flight controls, engines and main systems, including flight envelope protections, both at high and low speed.

Credit: Kurt Hofmann

The A321LR touches down after a successful flight.

Credit: Airbus

Water salute

Credit: Airbus

The crew leaves the aircraft after the flight. 

Credit: Kurt Hofmann

On the way to its parking position, the A321LR passes by a new Airbus A380 for Singapore Airlines.

Credit: Kurt Hofmann

Airbus head of A320 program Klaus Roewe congratulates the crew. “Thanks to its outstanding performance and unbeatable efficiency, the A321LR will allow our customers to perform flights of up to 4,000nm, allowing them to open new [translatlantic] routes and conquer new markets. This is a new flagship.”

Credit: Kurt Hofmann

The A321LR is parked in front of the Airbus event center at Hamburg Finkenwerder.

The Airbus’ first A321LR aircraft, MSN7877, completed its maiden flight Jan. 31, 2018, following a 2-hour, 36-minute flight. The aircraft, powered by CFM Leap-1A engines, will now undergo a nearly 100-hour flight test program, including transatlantic flights. It aims to receiveEASA and FAA type certification in Q2 2018. Entry into service is targeted for Q4 2018. ATW correspondent Kurt Hofmann was on site in Hamburg, following the flight's progress.