Airbus Finishes New A321XLR Assembly Line

Airbus is continuing to inch closer to the release of its latest single-aisle narrowbody, the A321XLR, with the completion of a new assembly line.

The European plane maker celebrated the assembly line at an event in Hamburg. The line will be a pivotal location for assembling key aircraft parts.

Elements such as fuel tank installation and fuselage will occur at this final assembly line for an aircraft type that, while uncertified, is immensely popular.

Hall 246 was the location where Airbus A380s had previously been assembled. However, with the world’s largest passenger plane no longer being produced, Airbus knew it needed to better use the space to meet its current needs.

Airbus states that the A321XLR already has 26 customers with more than 500 orders, and Iberia of Spain is the first customer after Aer Lingus ceded its spot to fellow IAG partner airlines.

The first delivery to Iberia is expected to occur in the third quarter, around September, following several delays in obtaining certification. Notable certification delays came from concerns surrounding the additional fuel tanks and associated fire risk and impacts on the structural integrity.

Thanks to its enhanced capabilities, notably its range, the A321XLR has become a favourite for many airlines’ long-term fleet plans. This is all despite the aircraft being unproven and having not embarked on a scheduled passenger flight yet.

The XLR, while a single-aisle and narrowbody, will be able to fly up to 8,700 kilometres and connect markets previously not within reach for many airline operators using a single-aisle.

As widespread adoption occurs, pressures on existing widebody planes are expected to be alleviated, and the implementation of this narrowbody opens up new possibilities.

Most commonly referred to is the ability for airlines to fly across the Atlantic now on a single tank and reach markets further East than just the Western part of Europe. Furthermore, the aircraft will enable greater connectivity across Oceania and Asian regions alongside markets globally.