Airbus has hit a speed bump on its journey to release the new A321XLR passenger jet. Sources from the industry reveal that the company is working to counterbalance a burgeoning shortfall in the jet’s range, following an agreement with European regulators on necessary design safeguards for certification.
Responding to the unforeseen setback, Airbus has started proposing potential deals to some customers for its larger A330neo. This strategic move aims to fill the performance gap that the upcoming A321XLR is experiencing, the sources revealed.
An Airbus spokesperson, responding to a Reuters question, reassured, “Airbus expects no significant impact on the XLR’s unique range advantage in the single-aisle segment.”
A Novelty in Design, A Challenge in Certification
Airbus launched the A321XLR in 2019, intending to build upon the success of the A321neo jet and outpace Boeing’s (BA.N) planned mid-market jet, a plan that was later discarded. The new Airbus model made its first public appearance at the Le Bourget air show near Paris last month.
The A321XLR’s unique design boasts an innovative rear central fuel tank that adapts to the fuselage’s shape, allowing more room for fuel and extending its range by 15% compared to the A321LR, the most advanced single-aisle model Airbus currently offers.
Nevertheless, the design sparked apprehension among regulators about potential fire risks and evacuation duration in case of accidents, leading to discussions about necessary design modifications for certification.
Range, Customers, and Delivery
Philippe Mhun, Airbus’s head of programs, disclosed in a previous interview with FlightGlobal that Airbus had reached an agreement with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) concerning the new fuel tank’s design.
However, changes to the structure, including a specialized protective liner for the fuel tank and other reinforcements, have added about 700 to 800 kilos to the plane’s weight. This increase is significantly more than the initially estimated 200-300 kilos and threatens to reduce the aircraft’s maximum range, which Airbus officially sets at 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km).
Industry insiders suggest these changes could result in a 200 nm (370 km) reduction in the practical range, impacting airlines like New York-based JetBlue (JBLU.O). The company, one of the first projected users of the new aircraft, plans to use it to launch routes to Latin America and deepen its penetration into Europe.
Despite these challenges, Airbus remains steadfast in its plans to certify the A321XLR by the end of the year and to start delivering the first aircraft by the second quarter of 2024.
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