Which category is A321-271NX in?

Question

I was wondering what the aircraft categories are all about because from my previous questions' answer I got to know about something called Cat D type aircraft. It made me curious to know what are the different types of aircraft categories and which one does the A321-271NX fall in, because it happens to be special for me!

Answer 1

The code is for the exact variant for this Airbus:

• A321: This is an Airbus A321, the longest variant of the A320 family.

• 27*: It comes with PW1100 engines (which makes it a neo).

• 271: The exact engine variant, which can be found in the TCDS (Type Certificate Data Sheet):

  PW1133G-JM Geared Turbo Fan jet engines (MOD 161002)

• N: Added for all neo variants.

• X: This means the aircraft has Cabin Flex, which allows the operator more freedom in choosing emergency exits:

  these doors’ configuration flexibility are there to enable all customers’ operational needs without compromising on cabin comfort

  

  ^{(runwaygirlnetwork.com)}

The "Cat D" you mentioned is the approach speed categorisation:

Category	Approach Speed
A	< 91 kt
B	91-120 kt
C	121-140 kt
D	141-165 kt
E	166-210 kt

The Airbus A321 can be in approach category C or D, depending on the exact variant:

A321[ceo] has Approach Category C to 75.5 tonnes MLW and D beyond that to 77.8 tonnes.

^{(SKYbrary - Airbus A321)}

All A321neo aircraft are classified as Approach Category C:

ON A/C A321neo
[...]
The final approach speed is 136 kt at a MLW of 79 200 kg (174 606 lb) and classifies the aircraft into the Aircraft Approach Category C.

^{(Airbus Aircraft Characteristics document AC A321 / A321neo)}

Answer 2

Your last afirmation is not correct, only for A321Ceo no A321 NEO.

All A321neo are CAT C. See section "Final Approach Speed" - AIRCRAFT CHARACTERISTICS - AIRPORT AND MAINTENANCE PLANNING