A321XLR: A fuel tank comes in the way!
Cruising Heights|May 2022
Touted as a game-changer that could see single-aisle long-haul travel, the A321XLR has hit a roadblock in the form of its additional fuel tank that was to be fused directly into the fuselage. The aircraft could now see a delay in the entry for service. An insight into the developments.
A321XLR: A fuel tank comes in the way!

A Airbus finally officially confirmed what the industry knew for a very long time- a delay in the entry of service of the much-fancied A321XLR to early 2024. The delay essentially stems from regulators insistent on Airbus changing some design elements to prevent the risk of fire under certain conditions. “On the A321XLR, the company continues to work towards a first flight by the end of Q2 2022," said Airbus in a statement and added, “Initially planned for the end of 2023, the entry-into-service is now expected to take place in early 2024 in order to meet certification requirements.”

Airbus' answer to the Boeing 737-10, the A321XLR is Airbus' newest jet announced in 2019 and is at present the longest range narrow-body plane in the world. In simple terms, it is really an A321neo with additional fuel tanks to provide for the longer range. This simple ruse, though, is a game-changer for airlines giving them the flexibility to operate point-to-point flights up to a range of 4,700 nautical miles, serving thinly flown long-distance routes profitably — that were previously impossible without a hub and spoke operation or big wide-body jets.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2022 من Cruising Heights.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2022 من Cruising Heights.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من CRUISING HEIGHTS مشاهدة الكل
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
Cruising Heights

Jets, Tech, And Green Goals

The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
Cruising Heights

FREIGHT IN FLIGHT

In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Cruising Heights

ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Cruising Heights

CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM

Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
Cruising Heights

PITCHING FOR SUPPORT

India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports

time-read
8 mins  |
August 2024
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
Cruising Heights

BATTLE FOR THE SKIES

As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
Cruising Heights

"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"

In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
POWERING UP
Cruising Heights

POWERING UP

Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
Cruising Heights

Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach

In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
Cruising Heights

POWERING A GREEN FUTURE

FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024