Airbus’s new A321XLR jetliner faces shorter flight times on fire safety concerns

Airbus may need to reduce the top range of its coming A321XLR jetliner, a key selling point for the new narrowbody, as European regulators seek to lessen the fire risk from an extra fuel tank in its rear fuselage, according to people familiar with the matter. Improvements to fire safety design around the rear center tank are likely to add weight to the XLR and have a minor impact on its range, according to the people, who asked not to be named discussing a confidential matter. Some customers have been informed of potential changes to the model’s specifications, they said. The EASA flagged the issue last year, and Airbus rival Boeing Co. subsequently suggested the tank posed a fire threat. The regulator hasn’t yet issued specific requirements. The US FAA proposed similar “special conditions” to the A321XLR fuel tank on April 6. Airbus is discussing certification requirements with EASA, said Stefan Schaffrath, a spokesman for the Toulouse, France-based manufacturer. “Safety is our number one priority,” he said. “We let independent authorities take all the necessary time to make a decision and would listen carefully to any requirements if they come.”<br/>