Insight

Airbus delays A321XLR jet to 2024 amid safety talks

By Tim Hepher

PARIS (Reuters) – Airbus on Wednesday confirmed a delay in improvement of its A321XLR jet to early 2024 in what trade sources described as a transfer by regulators to tighten guidelines to stop fireplace dangers.

The newest improve to the best-selling A321 had been on account of enter service in late 2023, however the delay stems from discussions with regulators about certification of a novel gas tank wanted to spice up its vary in a battle for gross sales with Boeing. The European Union Aviation Security Company (EASA) is taking a look at important rule adjustments that will drive Airbus to revamp areas of the decrease fuselage referred to as “underbelly fairings”, two of the sources mentioned. These composite exterior constructions must be lengthened and redesigned in heavier metallic to assist include fireplace within the occasion of a belly-landing.

A maiden take a look at flight remains to be due by the top of this quarter, Airbus mentioned in a quarterly outcomes assertion.

“Initially deliberate for the top of 2023, the entry-into-service is now anticipated to happen in early 2024 with a purpose to meet certification necessities,” it mentioned.

Reuters reported earlier on Wednesday that the jet’s introduction can be delayed to 2024.

One of many trade sources cautioned that new structural work might add 6-9 months to the timetable relying on the scope of the ultimate rule. A second supply mentioned this and different work might add as much as a 12 months.

“The certification of the A321XLR is an ongoing mission,” an EASA spokesperson mentioned. “The entire set of circumstances in relation (to) the set up of the rear-centre tanks remains to be beneath definition, and, when prepared, will probably be printed for feedback.”

PRODUCTION SNAGS Airbus is pitching the A321XLR as a game-changing addition to its narrowbody fleet, making it potential for airways to serve thinly flown long-distance routes profitably, reasonably than forcing passengers to fly not directly by way of wide-body hubs. To satisfy demand for longer routes, Airbus had already added elective further gas tanks contained in the cargo bay of some A321s. For the A321XLR, Airbus plans to eke out more room for gas by moulding one tank immediately into the fuselage. The idea caught the eye of EASA which final 12 months mentioned it will impose particular circumstances to maintain passengers protected. In a uncommon intervention, Boeing final 12 months expressed considerations about fireplace dangers from its rival’s design. An trade supply advised Reuters final March that the design debate might push the entry to service to 2024. Bloomberg Information reported earlier on Wednesday that the ensuing design adjustments might shorten the XLR’s vary, a key battleground within the busiest a part of the jet market. An Airbus spokesperson mentioned it expects “no important impression” on vary. The delay comes as Airbus is struggling to maintain manufacturing of current A321 fashions on observe, whereas additionally pushing forward with longer-term plans to extend general narrowbody output. Air Lease Corp mentioned final week A321 output was being delayed and an trade supply advised Reuters on Wednesday that deliveries have been now 3-5 months late throughout the board. Engine makers mentioned final week that they had agreed objectives for 2024, paving the way in which for Airbus to maintain elevating output past its present goal of 65 a month in mid-2023, up from about 50 now. Airbus mentioned on Wednesday it will increase output of single-aisle A320-family jets to 75 a month in 2025.

The tempo of the rise has anxious some provide chain consultants, however Airbus stresses it includes recapturing ranges partially examined earlier than the pandemic, when its narrowbody output peaked at 60 a month. “Recovering the (A321 output) arrears whereas additionally finishing up the quickest fee enhance ever appears to be like very formidable,” one of many trade sources mentioned.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Modifying by Carmel Crimmins, Jane Merriman, Kirsten Donovan)



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