A321LR takes to the skies for the first time

KarelXWB · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:17 pm

Airbus today performed the first flight of the A321LR.

The first A321LR (Long Range) has taken off on its maiden flight from Hamburg Germany at 11:06 hrs local time, commencing its flight test programme. The aircraft, MSN7877, is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines.

...

The aircraft is now set to undergo a nearly 100 hour flight test programme, including transatlantic missions, for EASA and FAA Type Certification in Q2 2018. Entry into service is 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. The new Airspace by Airbus cabin available on the A320 Family additionally enhances the passengers’ unrivalled travel experience. With further options, combining an increased Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of 97 tonnes and a third Additional Centre Fuel Tank (ACT), the aircraft’s range extends to 4,000nm (7,400 km), allowing airlines to tap into new long range market opportunities.

Press release
http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-re ... light.html

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germ ... SKBN1FK1H3

RalXWB · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:21 pm

Congratulations to Airbus for making the best even better. The possible routes for a LR are quite amazing.

SonOfABeech · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:25 pm

The door config makes it look more like a 757.

zeke · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:31 pm

Got to love the ironic MSN 787-7 !

Draken21fx · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:39 pm

zeke wrote:
Got to love the ironic MSN 787-7 !

At least someone in the marketing dpt of Airbus has a sense of humor. Don't think it will appreciated tho at the other end of the Atlantic.

Newbiepilot · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:41 pm

I think I read somewhere that the 7000lbs MTOW increase on the A321LR will be incorporated as an optional weight on all A321neos soon (including post delivery MTOW increases) and therefore the A321LR designator may soon go away. Is that true?

cougar15 · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:43 pm

Draken21fx wrote:
zeke wrote:
Got to love the ironic MSN 787-7 !

At least someone in the marketing dpt of Airbus has a sense of humor. Don't think it will appreciated tho at the other end of the Atlantic.

Seeing as they are not having the best of times at present anyway, this/that will definetly ruin the morning coffee....

Congrads to Airbus & customers!

Super80Fan · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:44 pm

Just curious, is boarding still going to be done at L1 or did they switch it around so it could be L2?

JetBuddy · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:46 pm

Congrats Airbus on the first flight of A321LR. I think this variant has a bright future.

Now, a slight stretch and new wings, and we'll have a true "Middle of Market" aircraft.

AA321T · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:52 pm

Super80Fan wrote:
Just curious, is boarding still going to be done at L1 or did they switch it around so it could be L2?

The 2L and 2R doors have been deleted.

CF-CPI · Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:58 pm

Super80Fan wrote:
Just curious, is boarding still going to be done at L1 or did they switch it around so it could be L2?

As far as I know, that decision would depend on the airline. IIRC, DL or AA - or both - won't use L2 as a matter or principle, since it would put a jetway in close proximity to the engines.

I'd be curious about other carriers, and whether there is an internal policy regarding the use of door L2.

Back to the A321LR, I must say it's a beauty. The addition of wing-dings gives the visual impression of added wingspan, with a better balance of fuselage vs wing.

Arion640 · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:02 pm

Didn't realise it was this far forward in the development stage!

CBBW · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:05 pm

Living Australia, this could be a revolutionary plane.
Congratulations to everyone who made it possible.

817Dreamliiner · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:08 pm

I thought MSN7877 was just a normal A321neo with just a different door configuration. Unsurprisingly, im not the only one that thought so:

Very strange. 26 days ago Airbus told me (after I sought clarification) that this wasn’t the A321LR. It doesn’t have the 97t MTOW or the 3rd aux fuel tank. It’s the cabin flex configuration with new doors, but not the A321LR.

https://twitter.com/jonostrower/status/ ... 7922968576

Newbiepilot · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:09 pm

Draken21fx wrote:
zeke wrote:
Got to love the ironic MSN 787-7 !

At least someone in the marketing dpt of Airbus has a sense of humor. Don't think it will appreciated tho at the other end of the Atlantic.

Airbus marketing has done a fantastic job selling the capability of what amounts to a 7000lbs MTOW weight increase. The MSN number is cute.

WholaLottaLove · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:17 pm

Is this A312LR equipped with LEAP or GTF engines?

trex8 · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:21 pm

WholaLottaLove wrote:
Is this A312LR equipped with LEAP or GTF engines?

LEAP per press release
http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-re ... light.html

VirginFlyer · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:22 pm

WholaLottaLove wrote:
Is this A312LR equipped with LEAP or GTF engines?

KarelXWB wrote:
Airbus today performed the first flight of the A321LR.

The first A321LR (Long Range) has taken off on its maiden flight from Hamburg Germany at 11:06 hrs local time, commencing its flight test programme. The aircraft, MSN7877, is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines.

V/F

StudiodeKadent · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:22 pm

I'm happy for Airbus and I am sure the A321LR will be a very influential airframe. Its wonderful to see smaller airframes operating on longer routes at lower costs!

Kiwirob · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:36 pm

SonOfABeech wrote:
The door config makes it look more like a 757.

All they need to do is give it tandem landing gear from the Indian A320's and it would be there.

Super80Fan · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:36 pm

AA321T wrote:
Super80Fan wrote:
Just curious, is boarding still going to be done at L1 or did they switch it around so it could be L2?

The 2L and 2R doors have been deleted.

Got it, thanks!

mjoelnir · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:41 pm

SonOfABeech wrote:
The door config makes it look more like a 757.

The 757 has the L2 door. The A321LR canceled it. It has L1, over wing exits and L3 and L4.

The 757-200, has L1 and L2, over wing exits or L3 and L4.
The 757-300 has L1, L2, over wing exits, L3 and L4.

inferno · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:42 pm

Raccoon eyes on the A320 family??? Hell no. It looks fine on the A350 but it's fugly on anything else.

GE90man · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:44 pm

Raccoon eyes will be standard?

parapente · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:45 pm

Congrats to Airbus.I must say I was behind the times (unless they were keeping quiet).Yes it has the new revised fuse/doors but I didn't know this one was the 97T version.Are the engines the same? I thought the GTF version was an upgrade,although that engine is not the one being tested.
Will be interesting (this Autumn onwards) to see what new destination combinations it opens up for a NB.

KarelXWB · Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:54 pm

817Dreamliiner wrote:
I thought MSN7877 was just a normal A321neo with just a different door configuration. Unsurprisingly, im not the only one that thought so:

Very strange. 26 days ago Airbus told me (after I sought clarification) that this wasn’t the A321LR. It doesn’t have the 97t MTOW or the 3rd aux fuel tank. It’s the cabin flex configuration with new doors, but not the A321LR.
https://twitter.com/jonostrower/status/ ... 7922968576

Airbus answered as follows:

Hi Jon, the aircraft demonstrated today is a 100% ready A321LR. It features all the specificities such as 97t MTOW & the ACF fuselage. It is ready for the 3rd ACT. During the flight test programme, all ACF configurations (0,1,2,3) need to be tested.

The 3rd ACT will be installed in the coming weeks provisions are already there.

https://twitter.com/Airbus/status/958710692449628161
https://twitter.com/Airbus/status/958710850176479238

817Dreamliiner · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:04 pm

KarelXWB wrote:
817Dreamliiner wrote:
I thought MSN7877 was just a normal A321neo with just a different door configuration. Unsurprisingly, im not the only one that thought so:

Very strange. 26 days ago Airbus told me (after I sought clarification) that this wasn’t the A321LR. It doesn’t have the 97t MTOW or the 3rd aux fuel tank. It’s the cabin flex configuration with new doors, but not the A321LR.
https://twitter.com/jonostrower/status/ ... 7922968576

Airbus answered as follows:

Hi Jon, the aircraft demonstrated today is a 100% ready A321LR. It features all the specificities such as 97t MTOW & the ACF fuselage. It is ready for the 3rd ACT. During the flight test programme, all ACF configurations (0,1,2,3) need to be tested.

The 3rd ACT will be installed in the coming weeks provisions are already there.

https://twitter.com/Airbus/status/958710692449628161
https://twitter.com/Airbus/status/958710850176479238

Fair enough

parapente · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:05 pm

I must say the proportion of this a/c look good with these larger engines.
I flew on a (literally) brand new Sleasyjet recently with these engines.Really smooth and quiet.

steman · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:09 pm

Congratulations to Airbus.
It will probably be a game changer as others have said.
But from a purely aviation enthusiast point of view.....it just looks like any another A321.
The Leap1 engines aren´t even visually much bigger than the CFM-56. The different door configuration is hardly noticeable.
Maybe the PW powered one will look better. It´s a great aircraft and great performer but it´s nothing exciting to look at.
Nevertheless I´m excited at the possible new routes that this model will make possible, especially from non hub airports like TXL.
It could make transatlantic flight out of Berlin profitable again.

MartyMcFlyYYC · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:12 pm

I wish AC had gone with the Airbus NEO aircraft instead of Max. Congrats to Airbus on this milestone.

TheRedBaron · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:12 pm

Nice improvement in the A321, but ... How much fish will it handle? ...LOL Great aircraft and a big headache for the guys at Boeing...

Best Regards
TRB

hispanola · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:17 pm

I love it! The racoon eyes are rather strange but everything else is perfect. Definitely this decade's 757.

CHI87LG · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:18 pm

This plane will be a legend.

AirbusOnly · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:28 pm

Why do they still Need the A 321neo LR? Wow Air is just planning another record flight with their "simple" A321neo TF - SKY: KEF-SFO nonstop
https://www.flightradar24.com/WOW161/1049f220

keesje · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:31 pm

AirbusOnly wrote:
Why do they still Need the A 321neo LR? Wow Air is just planning another record flight with their "simple" A321neo TF - SKY: KEF-SFO nonstop
https://www.flightradar24.com/WOW161/1049f220

They might want to have that option with 200+ passengers, year round, both directions.

mat66 · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:34 pm

hispanola wrote:
Definitely this decade's 757.

You Sir, are very brave :lol:

LFLL wrote:
I really like the racoon mask on this one

I don't know. It is for sure a way to distinguish it from the regular A321. We have to wait what customers do. Remind me, who is the first to take the A321LR in Q4?

HtC · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:36 pm

A321-251NX Airbus D-AVZO MSN7877

Greetings
HtC

zeke · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:38 pm

AirbusOnly wrote:
Why do they still Need the A 321neo LR? Wow Air is just planning another record flight with their "simple" A321neo TF - SKY: KEF-SFO nonstop
https://www.flightradar24.com/WOW161/1049f220

Didn’t you hear, it is still trying to catch up to the capability of the 737 MAX 10

ap305 · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:45 pm

zeke wrote:
AirbusOnly wrote:
Why do they still Need the A 321neo LR? Wow Air is just planning another record flight with their "simple" A321neo TF - SKY: KEF-SFO nonstop
https://www.flightradar24.com/WOW161/1049f220

Didn’t you hear, it is still trying to cat up to the capability of the 737 MAX 10

It will do 105% of what the 757 does but that -5% capability of the 757 is really important......

B777LRF · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:46 pm

Need. More. Wing.

ODwyerPW · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:56 pm

This is a very nice looking plane. Congradulations to Airbus.

HtC wrote:
A321-251NX Airbus D-AVZO MSN7877

Greetings
HtC

Chrisba320 · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:58 pm

Congratulations to Airbus, they keep making the best better, in a big way. This is one good-looking bird! I'm looking forward to seeing how airlines will use this aircraft and what new routes it may open up. Hard not to see a bright future for this aircraft.

ODwyerPW · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:58 pm

Revelation wrote:
Fabulous aircraft.
Am not looking forward to knee-smashing "industry standard" 240 pax seating though.

You won't be seating 240pax in a long range version of the A321NEO. This is a 165-195 pax type plane.

Revelation · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:59 pm

Fabulous aircraft.

Am looking forward to seeing the GTFs on it as well.

Am not looking forward to knee-smashing "industry standard" 240 pax seating though.

hispanola wrote:
Definitely this decade's 757.

Surely the 240th passenger out the door will agree.

TheRedBaron wrote:
Nice improvement in the A321, but ... How much fish will it handle?

cougar15 wrote:
Draken21fx wrote:
zeke wrote:
Got to love the ironic MSN 787-7 !

At least someone in the marketing dpt of Airbus has a sense of humor. Don't think it will appreciated tho at the other end of the Atlantic.

Seeing as they are not having the best of times at present anyway, this/that will definetly ruin the morning coffee....

Congrads to Airbus & customers!

B's stock price is high and the cash is flowing, which is all they really care about. Morning coffee will be just fine.

EPA001 · Wed Jan 31, 2018 3:59 pm

HtC wrote:
A321-251NX Airbus D-AVZO MSN7877

Greetings
HtC

Those are very nice pictures of this latest variant of the highly successful A32X-neo program. Thanks for posting them and congratulations to Airbus on achieving the first flight of this variant of the aircraft family.

by738 · Wed Jan 31, 2018 4:08 pm

Do test flights need to prove their ambitious and 'game changing' advertised range figures?

WaywardMemphian · Wed Jan 31, 2018 4:15 pm

ODwyerPW wrote:
Revelation wrote:
Fabulous aircraft.
Am not looking forward to knee-smashing "industry standard" 240 pax seating though.

You won't be seating 240pax in a long range version of the A321NEO. This is a 165-195 pax type plane.

I believe Norwegian has stated 220 seats for theirs. They have since said they were increasing premium economy on their new 789s due to demand. I wonder if they may now stick some in their A321LRs that they have stated are for more TATL.

Revelation · Wed Jan 31, 2018 4:17 pm

ODwyerPW wrote:
Revelation wrote:
Fabulous aircraft.
Am not looking forward to knee-smashing "industry standard" 240 pax seating though.

You won't be seating 240pax in a long range version of the A321NEO. This is a 165-195 pax type plane.

Right, yet we read "The A321LR features a new door configuration, enabling its operators to accommodate up to 240 passengers" as a part of this press exercise. As this thread tells us, Airbus is introducing both the new door configuration with related interior "densification" and the long range features together. Surely some A321neo will fly in ~240 pax configuration just like various B models will also fly in knee-smasher configs.

keesje · Wed Jan 31, 2018 4:30 pm

A 1 hour 25 minutes flight. After an hour they descended 6000m in a few minutes and returned to base.

https://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/DAVZO

ucdtim17 · Wed Jan 31, 2018 4:37 pm

What's the point of the door changes? Less weight in door, more weight in fuel?

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