Airbus A321XLR Image: Airbus
Commercial
Aviation
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for security
Airbus A321XLR will have shorter-than-expected range because of design changes
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 7/24/2023
Airbus A321XLR
Image: Airbus
Amid safety discussions, Airbus decided to add structural reinforcements to the A321XLR. As a result, the aircraft's range will be 4500 nautical miles, 200 less than the 4700 previously announced.
Structural reinforcement around the fuel tank to ensure greater safety added about 800 kg more to the plane, about 500 kg more than anticipated.
The changes were driven by concerns from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) about the risk of fire in the event of an accident. This has also led to delays in the plane's certification, which will be in the second quarter of 2024.
Safety concerns were initially raised by Boeing in light of the addition of the rear center tank.
Airbus agrees with EASA and has stated that the changes will not have a significant impact on the plane's performance, as the reduction in range is small.
However, it is not known if the airlines also feel this, as the idea was to use the plane on routes that only the big, heavy and expensive widebodies can fly.
Therefore, Airbus reportedly started discussions with key customers about a possible replacement of the A321XLR with the A330neo to fill the performance gap.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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