Pan-European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has opened a new production line for its headline long-haul jet, the A321XLR.
The jet’s production line has been extended with Hangar 246, the third production hangar at the manufacturer’s northern Germany site. It will assist the “serial production” of the long-haul, efficient aircraft.
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The converted hangar (which used to house A380 production) is split into two parts, as shown in the infographic below.
Fuselage sections 15, 17 and 18/19 will be joined together in one part of the new production line, while RCT modules will be fitted in the next section.
Around 300 people will work on these sections on the planes at the new facility.
The hangar is full of advanced technology, including laser and sensor-controlled measurement systems and ergonomic considerations for staff have been taken into account while designing the workflow and positioning of the workstations.
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By GlobalDataThe walls are fitted with “noise containment elements” on the inside, and solar power panels on the outside to help power the assembly plant.
While the company said A321XLR production in Hamburg was “running at full speed,” it also said the new hangar would allow for a “ramp-up” in Hamburg, “from structural assembly to equipment installation and final assembly”.
The A321XLR’s ongoing certification and flight-test campaign is now in its final stages, Airbus said at the end of May. It is expected the new plane will enter commercial service at the end of Q3 or beginning of Q4 2024.
Gary O’Donnell, A321XLR programme leader, said: “Our industrial system is one of the most complex and dynamic in the world. The high level of technology, precision and enormous knowledge in interaction with the many suppliers is absolutely unique. What we see here is the result of the incredible knowledge of our people.”
