Airbus has commenced flight testing of the extended range A321LR (Long Range) single aisle passenger jet. The maiden flight took off t...
Airbus has commenced flight testing of the extended range A321LR (Long Range) single aisle passenger jet.
The maiden flight took off today from Hamburg, Germany at 11:06 hrs local time, commencing the flight test program.
The aircraft, MSN7877, is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and the flight lasted 2 hours and 36 minutes.
The aircraft’s crew comprised: Experimental Test Pilots Yann Beaufils and Peter Lofts as well as Flight Test Engineers Frank Hohmeister, Jim Fawcett, Cedric Favrichon and Cabin Specialist Alexander Gentzsch.
With its extended 4000 nm (7500 km) range, the 100 hour flight testing will include transatlantic missions. The EASA and FAA Type Certification is expected in Q2 2018, with entry into service targeted for Q4 2018.
The A321LR features a new door configuration, enabling its operators to accommodate up to 240 passengers in Airbus’ widest Single Aisle fuselage in the sky.
Unlike the A320 family aircraft, the A321LR will also have cabins enhancements to keep passengers comfortable in long range flights.
The aircraft will have a Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of 97 tonnes with the third Additional Centre Fuel Tank (ACT) installed.
Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 20 percent by 2020.
With more than 1900 orders received from over 50 customers, to date the A321neo has captured a solid 80 percent of market share, making it the true aircraft of choice in the Middle of the Market.
