The first flight of the new Airbus A321XLR is scheduled for next Wednesday, June 15th, the European manufacturer announced today. The operation, which depends on weather conditions, will take place in the Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport (XFW) plant.
In recent weeks, the company has been working on the construction and installation of the necessary test equipment in preparation for the model’s first take-off. Airbus had announced that the aircraft, with manufacturer’s serial number (MSN) 11000, would be handed over to the test team «within a very short time».
On the other hand, routine ground tests were carried out in order to be able to start the aircraft’s flight and certification programs. The company expects the A321XLR (for eXtra Long Range) to complete the process during the second half of this year and begin commercial operation in 2023.
As stated by Airbus, the model has a range of up to 8.700 kilometers (4.700 nautical miles). The aerodynamics-enhancing sharklets and the more efficient powerplant enable fuel consumption per seat to be reduced by up to 20%. In addition, its acoustic footprint is up to 50% lower compared to other aircraft in the segment.
These features make it an attractive model for operators in the North Atlantic market. American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada, Aer Lingus and Iberia will operate the aircraft.
On the other hand, Middle East Airlines, Flynas, Saudia and Air Arabia aim to expand their presence in Southeast Asia and Africa with the new model; India’s IndiGo plans to offer services to Europe. In Latin America, JetSMART and SKY Airline will be its first customers. The low-cost carriers plan to use the A321XLR for flights to the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean from Argentina, Chile and Peru.
See also: Airbus gets ready for the first flight of the A321XLR
