Airbus is getting ready to begin production of the newest entrant to the A321 family, the A321XLR, through the opening of a new equipment installation hangar in Hamburg.
The European planemaker believes that this is the next step of many in “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”.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
Airbus A321XLR in Hamburg: New Equipping Hangar…
Commenting on this milestone was Andre Walter, the Head of Airbus Commercial Aircraft Production in Germany:
“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”. The design of the building reflects the latest standards in production and sustainability.”
Hangar 259 in Hamburg…
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Known as Hangar 259, this new equipment installation hangar will be used to install and mount all of the components of the rear fuselages of the A321XLR.
The European planemaker said more on this in their statement:
“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.”
Looking Ahead…
All eyes will now be on Airbus and the A321XLR program ahead of its launch, expected to be in the second quarter of 2024.
The aircraft has already acquired nearly 570 orders from 27 different airlines around the world.
This jet is expected to gain significant traction amongst customers due to its high range, which will allow further transatlantic and long-haul flights on a cheaper scale.
For now, we await the outcome of the testing from the program, in the hope that Airbus will be able to get this jet into commercial service by the midway point of next year.
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