Showing posts with label A321XLR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A321XLR. Show all posts

23 January, 2024

Icelandair signs contracts for two additional Airbus aircraft

Icelandair and CDB Aviation have signed long-term lease agreements for two new Airbus A321LR aircraft scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2025.  

As previously announced, Icelandair signed a contract with Airbus for up to 25 Airbus A321XLR aircraft in July 2023 as well as having secured long-term lease agreements for five new A321LR aircraft. 

The Airbus A321LR and XLR aircraft will be the future replacement of Icelandair’s fleet of Boeing 757s. Deliveries of the A321LR aircraft will begin later this year and XLR deliveries will start in 2029.  


Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair president and CEO:  “We continue our fleet renewal and are very pleased to announce the lease of two new aircraft from CDB Aviation, expanding our business relationship with the company. We have already started entry into service preparation for these efficient aircraft that will replace our Boeing 757’s. They will provide exciting opportunities and possibilities to explore new destinations as well as further support our sustainability efforts.” 

31 August, 2023

Airbus opens new A321XLR equipment installation hangar in Hamburg

Airbus opens new A321XLR equipment installation hangar in Hamburg

Supporting the ramp-up / Equipping of up to eight rear fuselage sections simultaneously

Designed in line with latest production- and sustainability standards




Airbus is advancing its industrial system and expanding ramp-up capacity with a new automated A321XLR equipping hangar, officially opened today by Hamburg’s First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and German Aerospace Coordinator Anna Christmann. With this, Airbus continues its modernisation and digitalisation of its industrial system and expands its capacity for the rate ramp-up in the A320 programme to 75 in 2026.

“Airbus’ Hamburg site plays a significant role in the development and production of the A321XLR. With our new, state-of-the-art equipment installation hangar, we are now expanding our capacity to manufacture A321 fuselages and making an important contribution to supporting our ramp up. At the same time we are reaffirming the importance of Hamburg for Airbus,” said André Walter, Head of Airbus Commercial Aircraft Production in Germany. “The design of the building reflects the latest standards in production and sustainability.”

Dr Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg: “Hamburg is the central location for Airbus’ single-aisle development and production. With the A321XLR, the new flagship of the A320 Family will be assembled at the Finkenwerder site, setting new standards in terms of sustainability, efficiency and range. The start of production in the new equipment installation hangar is an important project for Hamburg as the world’s third largest civil aviation centre.”



“This investment in the A321XLR equipment installation hangar at the Airbus Hamburg site is an important milestone towards transitioning aviation to climate neutrality. This transformation is the key to making Germany a future-oriented and competitive aerospace location,” said Anna Christmann, the Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy. “I am delighted that Airbus is positioning itself as a trailblazer in sustainable aviation and that we are pulling together to accelerate progress toward climate-neutral aviation even further.”

In the new equipment installation hangar, with 9,600 m2 of production space, designated H259, all the components of the rear fuselages of the A321XLR aircraft – also built in Hamburg – will be installed and mounted. The hangar is equipped with a full range of state-of-the-art technologies for operations and manufacturing, such as automated logistics, fully digital systems, and test stations that can output the status of each fuselage section (both in terms of logistics and resources) at any time. The almost 24-metre-long fuselage sections are equipped with all electrical and mechanical systems, as well as other elements such as windows, floor panels or external antennas, on an automated ‘pulse line’ consisting of eight stations. Each fuselage section is extensively tested directly after the installation of the systems. The fuselage sections are then transferred to the final assembly line in Hamburg.

The stations in the new hangar were planned in close consultation with the employees to create both an efficient production flow and an ergonomically optimised and modern working environment. In addition, the interior design also focused on ensuring optimal conditions for cooperation between the employees in production and the supporting functions.

The structure was planned and built sustainably. A 3,000 m2 photovoltaic system on the roof supplies the hangar with electricity, and surpluses are used to power the site. The office block on the south side offers an excellent level of insulation thanks to extensive insulation of the ceiling and walls. A fully automatic control system for heating, ventilation and lighting complements the measures.

About the new A321XLR

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step of the A320neo, in response to market demands for even more range and payload, creating more added value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented (‘Xtra-long’) range of up to 4,700 nm – 15% more range than the A321LR – and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on a long-haul wide-body, with the low costs of a single-aisle aircraft. The A321XLR currently has nearly 570 orders from 27 customers worldwide. Entry-into-service is planned for the second quarter of 2024.


06 July, 2023

Icelandair orders 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft

The national airline of Iceland, Icelandair has placed a firm order for 13 Airbus A321XL aircraft as well as completed long-term lease deals with SMBC Aviation Capital Limited, for four new Airbus A321LR aircraft, scheduled to be delivered from Airbus in the fourth quarter of 2024.  


The carrier origionally announced back in April this year that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft with purchase rights for additional 12 aircraft. 

With its extra long range, the A321XLR will allow Icelandair to seize new market opportunities. The aircraft will also enable the airline to reduce its operating costs, support its sustainability targets and at the same time offer its passengers the best in cabin comfort.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on a long-haul wide-body, with the low costs of a single-aisle aircraft. By the end of May 2023, the A320neo Family had accumulated more than 8,750 orders from  136 customers worldwide.

”We are very pleased to announce that we have now finalized the purchase agreement with Airbus. The efficient A321XLR aircraft will further strengthen our business model, increase our flexibility and provide opportunities for future growth, as well as further support our sustainability efforts. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2029 but we plan to have four Airbus aircraft in operation before summer of 2025 and have now secured the lease of new A321LR aircraft with our long-term partner SMBC Aviation Capital Limited” said Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s CEO.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Icelandair for placing their trust and confidence in Airbus. It fills us with immense pride to welcome Icelandair as a new Airbus customer. By harnessing the exceptional performance of the A321XLR, your airline is forging a path of sustainable growth with remarkable efficiency and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions," expressed Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

With the arrival of the Airbus aircraft Icelandair will retire its Boeing 757 aircraft which have been the backbone of the carrier's fleet since 1990 and enabled it to build an extensive route network making good use of Iceland's unique geographical location. 



Icelandair in June  

In June 2023, the number of passengers travelling with the carrier was 518,527, a 20% increase since June last year. A total of 1.8 million passengers travelled with Icelandair for the first six months of the year, 31% more than at the same time last year.

11 April, 2023

Icelandair to move away from Boeing to Airbus......


Icelandair is turning away from Boeing as it signs up for 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft to replace its ageing Boeing 757 fleet and long-term plans will see the carrier slowly transition away from Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

The deal the Icelandic carrier has signed with Airbus also has options for a further 12 aircraft and the planes are scheduled to start arriving in 2029.  However,  Icelandair is currently in negotiations for leasing four Airbus A321LR to arrive in 2025.   Further additions can be expected in the years thereafter. With the acquisition of the Airbus aircraft, Icelandair will complete the replacement of the Boeing 757.

The agreed purchase price of the 13 aircraft is confidential, however, is understood to be 20% less than the current list prices. Whilst the financing of the aircraft is yet to be determined, Icelandair will explore financing options closer to the delivery dates which is expected to include a sale and lease back deal with two aircraft leasing firms. 

The A321XLR and A321LR aircraft are part of the Airbus A320neo Family of narrow-body aircraft that provide an excellent range, fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The implementation of the aircraft will reduce operating costs, further support Icelandair’s sustainability targets and offer exceptional customer experience through the aircraft design and unique features. The aircraft has around 190 seats in Icelandair’s layout. In comparison, the Boeing 757-200 aircraft has 183, whereas the 737 MAX 8 and the 737 MAX 9 have a passenger capacity of 160 and 178, respectively.

14 October, 2022

Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of Five New Airbus A321-200 XLR Aircraft with LATAM Airlines

Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of 
Five New Airbus A321-200 XLR Aircraft with LATAM Airlines

Air Lease Corporation announced long-term lease placements for five new long-range Airbus A321-200 XLR aircraft with LATAM Airlines.  The aircraft are scheduled to deliver to LATAM starting in fall 2025 through 2026 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

“We are pleased to announce this lease placement for five new long-range Airbus A321-200 XLRs with our airline customer based in Chile, LATAM Airlines, and be the first to introduce the XLR to the airline,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “As the largest South American carrier, LATAM is continuing its fleet modernization program adding the most advanced technology aircraft to enhance efficiency and passenger experience. These five new ALC A321XLR jets will optimize and grow the airline’s expanding international route network.” 

LATAM is Latin America’s leading airline group, with presence in five domestic markets in South America: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, along with international operations within Latin America and to Europe, US and the Caribbean.  The group operates a fleet including Boeing 787, Airbus A350, A321, A320neo and A319 aircraft, the most modern models of their kind.  

Air Lease Corporation is a leading global aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. 





16 September, 2022

Wizz Air carried 12.9 million passengers between June and August and makes massive Airbus order

Mega expansion plans ahead for budget airline Wizz Air    Photo Wizz Air

The European budget airline Wizz Air has agreed to buy an additional 75 Airbus A321neo and 27 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with options for a further 75 Airbus A321neos, with most to be delivered between 2025 and 2027.

CEO József Váradi said: “The combination of Wizz Air’s ultra-low-cost operation and the market-leading Airbus A321neo aircraft together create a strong platform for Wizz Air’s future growth in the coming decade as we further strengthen our position as one of the world’s most sustainable airlines.

We remain on track to become a 500-aircraft airline group by the end of the decade while delivering our commitment to reducing our already industry-leading CO2 emissions by 25% by 2030.”

The airline already operates an Airbus fleet of more than 150 aircraft and has just enjoyed a busy peak season carrying 12.9 million people during July and August.

Over the summer, Wizz Air has continued to expand its network, adding 63 new routes to 38 diverse and exciting destinations across Europe and beyond. The airline welcomed 13 brand new Airbus aircraft between June and August, taking the size of its fleet to 165. The airline’s ultra-modern and efficient fleet strengthens its position as one of the world’s most sustainable airlines, and will enable Wizz Air to further reduce its environmental footprint by 25% per passenger kilometre by the end of the decade.  

Wizz Air is committed to growing and diversifying its UK network, and now operates more than 60 routes from across the UK. Reaffirming its continued investment in the market, the airline recently announced that it is launching nine new routes from London Luton and Gatwick Airport this autumn, to destinations including Tallin, Estonia; Hurghada, Egypt; Prague, Czech Republic; Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; Agadir, Morocco; Marrakesh, Morocco; Grenoble, France; and Verona, Italy. 

Evelin Jeckel, Network Officer at Wizz Air said: “We are proud to have flown a record number of passengers over the peak summer season, especially given the well-documented challenges facing the entire travel industry. The three months were another exciting period of expansion, with some major highlights, including the announcement of 20 new routes from across Europe to Saudi Arabia and the launch of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flights to Kuwait and the Maldives from October. Not only this, but we have relaunched a number of routes in time for the winter season from bases across Europe, giving our customers even more choice when deciding on their next destination. We want to thank our loyal customers for continuing to choose Wizz Air for its low fares, diverse route network, great onboard service, and ultra-efficient aircraft.” 





10 September, 2022

Flight-testing of Airbus A321XLR gathers pace



During the coming weeks, following the recent maiden flight of A321XLR development aircraft MSN11000, two more prototypes, currently in advanced stages of manufacture, will join the certification flight-test campaign.

Gary O’Donnell, Head of the A321XLR programme provides an overview of what lies ahead in the run-up towards Type Certification: “Up until the end of this year, our focus is on completing the construction and then obtaining flight clearance for the remaining flight test aircraft. By the fourth quarter of this year, the three aircraft will be flying actively and we will have achieved a high level of production maturity.”

During the coming weeks, following the recent maiden flight of A321XLR development aircraft MSN11000, two more prototypes, currently in advanced stages of manufacture, will join the certification flight-test campaign.
He points out that there will actually be four flight test aircraft in the A321XLR development programme. “The three -XLR new-builds are supported by an upgraded regular A321neo – MSN6839. This aircraft has already been fitted with several important new features designed for the -XLR.”

Once these development aircraft are all flying the global flight testing will be fully underway. Concurrent with the flight testing is the ongoing ground lab testing campaign to finalise the serial standard modifications.

“The completion of these activities and submission of all the final documents around the end of next year to the airworthiness authorities will allow us to validate and certify the complete aircraft. This will enable us to deliver to the airlines what they need on day one when the A321XLR enters service in 2024,” says O’Donnell.

Securing industrial maturity

“In parallel to entry into service, we have to build our full industrial system, including all jigs, all tools and processes, not only in every involved Airbus factory, but likewise in those of our extended industrial chain and at our suppliers around the world. We will also have to load them with the parts and materials. Overall securing the industrial system is a huge behind-the-scenes activity heavily involving, especially our engineering, manufacturing and value chain teams,” notes O’Donnell.

“Our third pillar is to secure all the customer services documentation and ground support equipment, so the moment we hand over the aircraft to the customer it will be ready for use. And then – and only then – do we transition this project into ‘serial mode’ and hand it over to the bigger business.”
 

Flight testing scope overall rationale

Philippe Pupin, who leads the flight test engineering team for the A321XLR programme, and who was one of the crew members aboard the first flight of MSN11000 in June 2022, explains the rationale for the flight testing phase:

During the coming weeks, following the recent maiden flight of A321XLR development aircraft MSN11000, two more prototypes, currently in advanced stages of manufacture, will join the certification flight-test campaign.“In order to become a long-range aircraft, the A321XLR needs to carry more fuel, which means increasing the A321’s maximum take-off weight. In turn, this requires uprated landing gear and braking systems. However, since we are keeping the engine thrust unchanged, we have made some aerodynamic changes to retain our desired take-off performance. This has driven the physical modifications to the high-lift system – the slats and flaps – as well as reprogramming of the flight control system, all of which needs to be flight-tested and certified.”

“In terms of flight hours of testing the -XLR programme stands somewhere in between a brand new aircraft and a derivative. So we have to ‘re-test’ virtually everything regarding aircraft design and flight physics,” he adds.

Air Lease Corporation to lease four Airbus A321XLR aircraft to Air Transat

An Air Transat A321LR    Photo Airbus
This week Air Lease Corporation announced it will supply four new Airbus A321XLR aircraft to the Canadian airline Air Transat.  Three new aircraft are confirmed to deliver to the airline starting at the end of 2025 through 2026 from ALC’s order book with Airbus. The agreement also includes an option for one additional A321XLR aircraft to be delivered in 2027.  



“ALC is pleased to announce this lease placement for four new A321XLRs with Air Transat and be the first to introduce the XLR to the Canadian airline,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “The A321XLR will bring new levels of comfort and excellent service to Air Transat’s passengers, while providing significant enhancements to the airline’s operational efficiency.” 

"Air Transat's new leasing agreement with our long-trusted partner ALC represents another key milestone in the renewal and simplification of our fleet undertaken since 2017.  Along with A321LRs, XLRs figure as a cornerstone of Transat's 2022-2026 strategic plan.  These aircraft can improve the quality of our transatlantic program by increasing the number of frequencies per week with the same capacity, representing a more attractive offer for our customers.  Adding these three new XLRs to our fleet - with a fourth optional one - will allow us greater operational flexibility as this type of aircraft is very well suited to our needs across our programs annually," stated Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat.
Air Lease Corporation to lease four Airbus A321XLR aircraft to Air Transat
An Air Transat A321LR    Photo Airbus







22 July, 2022

LATAM Airlines orders 17 Airbus A321neo, endorses A321XLR

LATAM Airlines has ordered 17 A321neo aircraft to further expand their route offering, bringing the airline’s total A320neo order book aircraft to 100. Additionally, the airline has also confirmed to bring in the A321XLR to complement their long haul operations.

LATAM Airlines has ordered 17 A321neo aircraft to further expand their route offering, bringing the airline’s total A320neo order book aircraft to 100. Additionally, the airline has also confirmed to bring in the A321XLR to complement their long haul operations. 

“We applaud LATAM’s strategic vision and sustainability ambition. This order for the A321neo on the heels of its restructuring is a strong sign for the value Airbus brings to making this vision and ambition a reality. The A321XLR will enable the opening of new routes and will allow LATAM to increase its international reach in the region” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. 

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, which incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets, delivering more than 20 percent fuel and CO2 savings, as well as a 50 percent noise reduction. The A321XLR version provides a further range extension to 4,700nm, giving the aircraft a flight time of up to 11 hours. Last month, the A321XLR took to the skies for the first time, accomplishing its first test flight successfully.

16 June, 2022

First flight success for Airbus A321XLR........


Airbus’ first A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) has successfully accomplished its first flight. The aircraft, MSN 11000, took off from Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport at 11:05 hrs CEST  for a test flight which lasted approximately four hours and 35  minutes. The aircraft’s crew consisted of experimental test pilots Thierry Diez and Gabriel Diaz de Villegas Giron, as well as test engineers Frank Hohmeister, Philippe Pupin and Mehdi Zeddoun. 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.

Philippe Mhun, Airbus EVP Programmes and Services stated: "This is a major milestone for the A320 Family and its customers worldwide. With the A321XLR coming into service, airlines will be able to offer long-haul comfort on a single-aisle aircraft, thanks to its unique Airspace cabin. The A321XLR will open new routes with unbeatable economics and environmental performance." Entry into service is targeted for early 2024.







The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step in the A320neo single-aisle Family of aircraft, meeting market requirements for increased range and payload, creating more value for airlines by enabling economically viable services on longer routes than any comparable aircraft model.

The A321XLR will deliver an unprecedented single-aisle aircraft range of up to 4,700nm (8700 km), with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. By the end of May 2022, the A320neo Family has accumulated over 8,000 orders from over 130 customers worldwide. A321XLR orders stood at more than 500 from over 20 customers.













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15 June, 2022

Airbus A321XLR takes off for the first time.............video and pictures


Airbus’ first A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) has successfully accomplished its first flight. The aircraft, MSN 11000, took off from Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport at 11:05 hrs CEST  for a test flight which lasted approximately four hours and 35  minutes. The aircraft’s crew consisted of experimental test pilots Thierry Diez and Gabriel Diaz de Villegas Giron, as well as test engineers Frank Hohmeister, Philippe Pupin and Mehdi Zeddoun. 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.

Philippe Mhun, Airbus EVP Programmes and Services stated: "This is a major milestone for the A320 Family and its customers worldwide. With the A321XLR coming into service, airlines will be able to offer long-haul comfort on a single-aisle aircraft, thanks to its unique Airspace cabin. The A321XLR will open new routes with unbeatable economics and environmental performance." Entry into service is targeted for early 2024.







The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step in the A320neo single-aisle Family of aircraft, meeting market requirements for increased range and payload, creating more value for airlines by enabling economically viable services on longer routes than any comparable aircraft model.

The A321XLR will deliver an unprecedented single-aisle aircraft range of up to 4,700nm (8700 km), with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. By the end of May 2022, the A320neo Family has accumulated over 8,000 orders from over 130 customers worldwide. A321XLR orders stood at more than 500 from over 20 customers.













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02 June, 2022

Virtual flight-test campaign and lab test means paving the way for A321XLR’s first flight



The construction and equipment installation phases for the three A321XLR flight-test aircraft are rapidly nearing completion in the FAL in Hamburg before the first of these – MSN11000 – will be handed over to the flight-test team in the very near future. In parallel, ground based testing campaigns are in full swing at various Airbus sites to prepare for the start of the flight-test and certification programmes.

One of these is the “virtual first flight” (VFF) campaign – whose overall purpose is to clear the aircraft’s new systems, flight control laws and the flight crew for commencing flight tests. This part of the A321XLR’s development focuses around a dedicated development simulator and a co-located avionics testing laboratory in Toulouse.

Virtual flight-test campaign

The Development Simulator “S22” where the A321XLR’s virtual flight-test campaign is being performed in Toulouse.
In contrast to a full-flight simulator which moves on hydraulic jacks, the development simulator is fixed to the floor. As well as featuring real pilot controls and displays, there are also dedicated workstations behind it which feature the same displays and user interfaces as the flight test engineers (FTEs) will use to monitor the flight and adjust testing parameters in the real aircraft.

Adjacent to the development simulator’s entrance is a large virtual flight testing laboratory room filled with numerous racks containing real avionics modules – which are identical to those now being installed in the avionics bays of the three A321XLR flight-test aircraft. Moreover, these modules can be connected directly to the simulator and be virtually flown and evaluated by the Airbus test pilots while being monitored by their FTE colleagues.

Linking the avionics in the lab directly to the simulator enables the engineering test pilots to validate the A321XLR’s modified flight control system laws, in specific conditions – such as during flare or during high-speed flight. They are also able to evaluate and fine tune how the aircraft would deal with external disturbances typically encountered during normal flight.

Vincent Claudel, Integrated Product Team Leader Lab & Flight Tests, comments: “The virtual flight test campaign which started in March will culminate with a Virtual First Flight (VFF) ‘rehearsal’ or dry-run. For this exercise, all the flight crew, comprising the test pilots, the test-flight engineer and the flight-test engineers, who are already assigned for the first flight will be seated in the simulator where they will run through all the phases which they will subsequently perform in the real aircraft.

The virtual flight testing lab and the technicians’ test preparation area outside the development simulator – showing some of the A321XLR’s avionics modules which can be linked to the development simulator.


Vincent adds: “The phases which they will rehearse during the VFF dry-run include, for example, the electrical and engine power-on, taxiing out, take-off, climb, the flight domain opening, all the way to landing, taxiing back, and powering down again. In fact, they will do everything they will do in the real flight, and in exactly the same order.”

 

Flight control system functional integration testing


In order to validate the flight control computers so they may be subsequently integrated with the main simulator, the avionics modules are first tested and fine-tuned by engineering specialists in a nearby laboratory using ‘Controller and Guidance Integration Benches’ (CGIBs).

“Before the avionics modules can be connected to the simulator, they undergo integration operational testing to validate them at system level to ensure the good behaviour of the aircraft’s flight control laws which they govern,” notes Vincent.
 

Partial ‘iron-bird’ ground test rig for the VTP’s new eRudder



The simulator can also be directly connected to and control physical aircraft hardware such as hydraulically-actuated control surfaces on a test-rig. On a totally new programme, such as the A350, this test rig was called an “iron bird”. However, since the A321XLR is a development of the A321neo, it was sufficient to simply provide a physical test rig representing just the tail section - specifically the vertical tail-plane (VTP). This is to facilitate testing on the ground of a new “eRudder” architecture which is being introduced across all A320 Family members.

Ground-based systems integration and testing


“The majority of the tests – such as for the flight control laws and autopilot – to prepare the -XLR for its first flight are being performed by the engineers and flight test crews in Toulouse, using the simulator plus the avionics benches. However, other test campaigns have been underway for more than a year already at the various Airbus sites to clear additional systems which are related to specific ATA Chapters,” notes Vincent.

To this end, the transnational development teams in Toulouse in France, Hamburg and Bremen in Germany and in Filton in the UK, have collaborated in the -XLR’s test-means campaign and systems integration activities.

“In Filton, UK, we have two big benches for what we call ‘Landing Gear Zero’ for validating the -XLR’s new uprated landing gear, wheels and brakes (ATA Chapter 32). Also in Filton is a ‘fuel integration bench’ to test the new fuel and inerting system (ATA Chapter 28) for the -XLR, and in particular to validate new modifications for the aircraft’s new Rear-Centre-Tank (RCT).”

“Meanwhile in Bremen, Germany, we have the high-lift system bench to validate the new inboard single-slotted flap configuration which is specific to -XLR. Then in Hamburg, we have air conditioning benches (ATA Chapter 21), as well as a ‘water & waste’ bench (ATA Chapter 38). Also in Hamburg we have a multi-climatic chamber to optimise the comfort in the cabin and cockpit during the long flights at high cruise altitudes.”
A “Multi-Climatic Chamber” in Hamburg is used to re-create the outside atmospheric conditions of a long range flight.


“Even after the first flight is accomplished we will continue to perform our ground lab test means at all these sites as well as simulator tests in Toulouse, in parallel to support the year-long flight-test campaign, the Certification programme and beyond,” says Vincent.









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02 May, 2022

Qantas confirms future Airbus fleet with order for 52 aircraft

Australia’s Qantas Group has confirmed that it will order 12 A350-1000s, 20 A220s and 20 A321XLRs. The news was announced at a ceremony in Sydney attended by Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, Christian Scherer.

The A350-1000 was selected by Qantas following an evaluation known as Project Sunrise and will enable the carrier to operate the world's longest commercial flights. These will include linking Sydney and Melbourne with destinations such as London and New York non-stop for the first time ever. Featuring a premium layout, the A350 fleet will also be used by Qantas on other international services. The A350-1000 is powered by the latest generation Trent XWB engines from Rolls-Royce.

A350-1000 to fly world’s longest routes
A220, A321XLR to renew carrier’s domestic fleet
New levels of efficiency, comfort and sustainability


In the single-aisle category, the A220 and A321XLR were chosen under an evaluation called Project Winton. The aircraft will be used by the Qantas Group on domestic services across the country, which can extend to over five hours. In addition, the A321XLR offers the range capability for flights from Australia to South East Asia, enabling the Qantas Group to open up new direct routes. The A220 and A321XLR fleets will both be powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.


This agreement is in addition to the existing order for 109 A320neo Family aircraft, which includes the A321XLR for the Qantas Group low-cost subsidiary Jetstar.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “New types of aircraft make new things possible. That’s what makes today’s announcement so significant for the national carrier and for a country like Australia where air travel is crucial. The A350 and Project Sunrise will make any city just one flight away from Australia. It’s the last frontier and the final fix for the tyranny of distance.”

“The A320s and A220s will become the backbone of our domestic fleet for the next 20 years, helping to keep this country moving. Their range and economics will make new direct routes possible. “The Board’s decision to green light what is the largest aircraft order in Australian aviation is a clear vote of confidence in the future of Qantas.”


Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International said: "Qantas is one of the world’s iconic airlines, with a visionary spirit from its inception over 100 years ago. We are honoured by the confidence that Qantas is placing in Airbus and look forward to delivering to the Group one of the world’s most modern, efficient and sustainable fleets. This decision by Qantas underscores the position of the A350 as the reference long-range widebody aircraft."

The A220, A321XLR and A350 are the market leaders in their respective size categories. In addition to offering the highest levels of passenger comfort, the aircraft bring a step-change in efficiency, using up to 25% less fuel, a similar reduction in carbon emissions and a noise footprint 50% lower than previous generation aircraft.

All in-production Airbus aircraft are certified to fly with a 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend, with a target to increase this to 100% by 2030.











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22 March, 2022

26 Airbus A321neo Extra-Long Range aircraft for Air Canada



                                               Air Canada announced today it will be getting 26 extra-long range versions of the Airbus A321neo aircraft in a range of purchase and leasing deals.  Fifteen of the jets will be leased from Air Lease Corporation, five will be leased from AerCap and six are being acquired under a purchase agreement direct from Airbus S.A.S. Plus the Canadian carrier also has purchase rights to buy an additional fourteen aircraft between 2027 and 2030.
These extra long-range planes will be able to serve all North American routes and also some select transatlantic routes and will go some way to improve the carrier's fuel efficiency and fit in with its new environmental programmes.

Air Canada's A321XLRs will be able to carry 182 passengers with a configuration of 14 Air Canada Signature Class lie-flat seats and 168 Economy Class seats.  The planes will feature next-generation seatback entertainment systems, access to inflight Wifi, generous overhead baggage storage and an open airy cabin. 

The aircraft have a range of approximately 8,700 kilometres, with the ability to fly for up to 11 hours which will cover the whole of North America. Pus, subject to approval from Transport Canada these jets will be able to offer international flights to some European destinations.    


 Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada said:  "Air Canada is committed to further strengthen its market-leading position, especially through investments in new technology. The acquisition of the state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR is an important element of this strategy and will drive our core priorities of elevating the customer experience, advancing our environmental goals, network expansion and increasing our overall cost efficiency. This order also shows that Air Canada is emerging strongly from the pandemic and is ideally positioned to grow, compete and thrive in a reshaped global aviation industry,"


“We’re honoured to significantly expand our long-term relationship with Air Canada with the lease of these 15 advanced-technology, environmentally friendly A321XLR aircraft, which will facilitate significant network expansion with the highest levels of service and comfort for Air Canada’s passengers,” said John L. Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President of Air Lease Corporation.

Amos Kazzaz, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada said: “This agreement with Air Lease is key to Air Canada achieving its sustainability goals of lowering costs and moving forward on our emission reduction and other ESG objectives through fleet renewal. Moreover, this partnership with one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies is an important endorsement of Air Canada’s long-term strategic vision to remain a highly competitive, top global airline,” said 



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