The Airbus A321XLR, a highly anticipated aircraft, is nearing the final stages of its certification and flight testing. Airbus has outlined a comprehensive plan to support A321XLR customers during the initial phase of the aircraft’s entry into service (EIS) and for ongoing support.
By J Prakash
Airbus is working on the "Instructions for Continued Airworthiness" (ICAs) for the A321XLR to ensure readiness by summer 2024. These ICAs are essential for maintaining the type certification airworthiness standard throughout the operational life of each aircraft. They include detailed scheduled maintenance tasks, some extending up to ten years post-service entry (EIS). Completion of the ICAs is critical for each aircraft’s airworthiness certification at the time of delivery.
According to Airbus, this process poses significant challenges for the certification and entry-into-service of any new aircraft. However, the company is confident in its ability to address any last-minute challenges, with all necessary resources in place.
The A321XLR is a member of Airbus’ successful A320 family, sharing many features with its siblings. However, it includes modifications to achieve a range of 4,700 nautical miles, equivalent to approximately 11 hours of flight time. Notable changes include new main landing gears, wing flaps, an integrated long-range rear center fuel tank (RCT) necessitating a new fuel system, a high-capacity water and waste system, an extended belly fairing, and an increased maximum take-off weight. These modifications also require updates to their respective ICAs.
The necessity for new ICAs arises from changes like the A321XLR’s new extended belly fairing, designed to safeguard the rear center fuel tank during a belly landing. The FAA has recently proposed safety requirements for the A321XLR due to concerns about external fuel fires, illustrating the need for updates to the structural repair manual (SRM) coverage, which forms part of the new ICAs. The certification team must consider these changes and the associated actions.
To ensure a smooth introduction of the A321XLR to customer fleets, Airbus has deployed customer service teams. They are preparing a group of technical specialists to support launch operators on-site for approximately six months, facilitating seamless integration into operations.
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