Airbus is taking things to the next level with a brand-new automated A321XLR equipping hangar at its Hamburg site. This move is part of Airbus’ ongoing efforts to modernize and digitize its operations. It also aims to increase the production rate of the A320 program to 75 by 2026.
Hamburg: The Heart of Airbus’ Single-Aisle Production
André Walter, who heads Airbus Commercial Aircraft Production in Germany, highlighted the crucial role Hamburg plays in Airbus’ operations. He said, “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.” Walter also pointed out that the new hangar’s design meets the latest standards in both production and sustainability.
Dr. Peter Tschentscher, the First Mayor of Hamburg, echoed these sentiments. He noted that Hamburg is a 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,” he said.
A Milestone for Climate-Neutral Aviation
Anna Christmann, the Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy, praised Airbus’ investment in the new hangar. She said it’s a significant step toward making aviation more climate-neutral. “This transformation is the key to making Germany a future-oriented and competitive aerospace location,” she added.
The new hangar, labeled H259, boasts 9,600 m2 of production space. Here, all components of the A321XLR’s rear fuselages will be installed and mounted. The hangar is packed with cutting-edge technologies like automated logistics, fully digital systems, and specialized test stations. These stations can provide real-time updates on each fuselage section’s status. After the systems are installed in the nearly 24-meter-long fuselage sections, they undergo extensive testing before moving to the final assembly line in Hamburg.
Employee-Centric and Sustainable Design
The hangar’s design also took into account the well-being of the employees. It aims to provide an efficient production flow and a modern, ergonomically optimized working environment. On the sustainability front, the hangar features a 3,000 m2 photovoltaic system on its roof to supply electricity. Any surplus energy powers the site. The hangar also has an automatic control system for heating, ventilation, and lighting, adding to its eco-friendly features.
Airbus is making big moves with its new automated A321XLR equipping hangar in Hamburg. This state-of-the-art facility not only boosts production but also sets new standards in sustainability and efficiency. It’s a win-win for Airbus, its employees, and the planet.
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