FAA grants limited exemption for Airbus A321XLR engine to advance certification process

The FAA has granted a limited exemption for the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines used in the Airbus A321XLR, allowing progress toward certification. This exemption relates to bird ingestion regulations, which previously required strict compliance. The A321XLR has not yet been certified in the U.S., although it received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in July. American Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines have placed orders for the aircraft, with American expected to receive its first delivery in December. Airbus delivered the first A321XLR to Iberia in October, which completed its first transatlantic flight in mid-November. The FAA's exemption aims to facilitate the certification of the PW1100G engines, enhancing fuel efficiency for narrowbody jets.