Airbus has taken another significant industrial step towards the serial production of the A321XLR long-haul aircraft.
Together with hangars 260 (pilot line) and 259 (equipment assembly), the new line in hangar 246 forms the infrastructure for serial production of the A321XLR at the Airbus site in Hamburg.
The A321XLR revolutionises long-haul flights. The core of the aircraft is the rear centre tank, integrated into the rear fuselage structure and located in sections 15 and 17. These sections are assembled using shells and joined with section 18/19 (supplied externally) to form the rear fuselage of the A321XLR. The newly established structure assembly line, installed in a former A380 hangar over recent months, boasts a 24,000 m² production area and employs around 300 people.
Incorporating state-of-the-art tools, laser and sensor-controlled measurement systems, the planning of the hangar also prioritised ergonomic and energy-efficient aspects. Large photovoltaic panels are installed on the exterior of the hangar. Noise containment elements and lifting platforms at workstations have been added to avoid steep stairs and provide optimised ergonomic access to the sections. The floor grid is assembled vertically instead of horizontally to prevent workers from working in uncomfortable positions like kneeling. Moreover, the workstations are designed more efficiently, allowing for more space to move around the platforms easily.
Production of the A321XLR is already running at full speed in Hamburg. The new structure assembly in hangar 246 will play a crucial role in achieving the production rates.
Gary O'Donnell, Head of the A321XLR programme, stated during the inauguration: “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.”
With the inauguration of hangar 246, Airbus has reached the final milestone for the industrial set-up for the A321XLR ramp-up in Hamburg, covering everything from structural assembly to equipment installation and final assembly. The new aircraft's entry into service is planned for the end of the summer.
