Airbus has launched a new structure assembly line in hangar 246 at the Airbus site in Hamburg on July 16, 2024, as it moves towards serial production of the A321XLR. Hangar 246 will assemble the rear structure of the aircraft's fuselage where its rear centre tank (RCT) is located. The RCT is a permanently installed high-capacity fuel tank, which facilitates the aircraft's longer range.
Hangar 246 will join hangars 260 (pilot line) and 259 (equipment line) in the series production of the jet awaiting certification. The European OEM said in May it was preparing to enter the aircraft into service as its ongoing certification and flight-test campaign entered its final stages.
The OEM said production of the highly anticipated aircraft is ""running at full speed"" in Hamburg, with the new assembly line being a ""fundamental contribution"" to achieving Airbus' intended production rates.
""Our industrial system is one of the most complex and dynamic in the world,"" said the A321XLR programme head Gary O'Donnell. ""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.""
With hangar 246, Airbus has reached its final milestone for the industrial set-up for the A321XLR. Its entry into service is planned for the end of summer.
Airbus launches new A321XLR assembly line in Hamburg
