The long-awaited A321XLR, an ultra-long-range variant of the narrow-body jet, has had its entry into service postponed to the 3rd quarter of 2024, Airbus revealed.
Until then, the planemaker planned for the first plane to begin operating in the 2nd quarter, a target that was delayed as the original plan was for it to enter service in 2023.
The new delay was justified due to the certification process that “took a bit more time than initially expected”, said Guillaume Faury, CEO of the company.
According to Airbus, a customer’s first A321XLR entered the Final Assembly Line in December.
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The aircraft, which offers a range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km) is still awaiting type certification from EASA, the European civil aviation authority, and the FAA, the similar US agency.
There are at least 550 orders for the version, which will be able to operate on transoceanic routes, replacing widebodies on flights with lower demand.
Airbus confirmed that it is working to achieve a monthly production rate for the A320neo family of 75 aircraft by 2026.
The A220, which is assembled in Canada and the United States, has a target of 14 aircraft per month within two years.
Among the widebodies, Airbus intends to manufacture four A330s monthly in 2024 while the A350 will have a monthly production of 10 aircraft in 2026.
