Airbus is preparing for the launch of its upcoming narrowbody, the A321XLR, by announcing a new equipment installation hanger at its Hamburg site.
The installation hangar is all part of Airbus’ goals towards ramping up its A320 programme to 75 units per month by 2026. Some label it an ambitious plan, whereas for others, it is an equally realistic one.
Hamburg’s first Mayor, Peter Tschentscher and German Aerospace Coordinator Anna Christmann opened the new automated equipping hangar.
Airbus can expand its horizons by manufacturing A321 fuselages in the hangar now.
While it comes with lots of potential to aid Airbus in the future in terms of building aircraft, it also comes equipped with, as described by the plane maker, truly state-of-the-art technology to enhance the workflow.
This is highlighted through digital systems, test stations that can output the status of fuselage sections and automated logistics.
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 center.
Dr Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg
Following the A321XLR’s launch in 2019, it has become a popular option for carriers looking to transform their narrowbody flying. The Xtra range boost of the XLR over the LR will hugely benefit airlines crossing the Atlantic, one of the many options now possible.
The A321XLR is slated to enter service in 2024 following a year’s delay when problems were identified regarding the additional fuel tank and its potential fire risk. Talk now of the XLR getting design changes that’ll increase weight and lower specifications have recently clouded the series.
Airbus says the hangar has been designated as H259 and has 9,600 m2 of production space. Additionally, there was a significant focus placed on employee comfort and productivity. This is highlighted through the consulting to enable an efficient production flow into the future with ergonomically optimised workspaces.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daniel Fowkes is a Melbourne-based aviation analyst and journalist with over a decade of industry experience. As founder of Dj’s Aviation, he delivers trusted analysis on aircraft, airline strategy and global aviation trends for djsaviation.net
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Boeing should kill its hack job, the 737 Max which is a result of corporate greed and short term thinking. Create a competing plane with proper design. Airlines should not buy the badly designed 737 Max. It will kill more people.