Airlines

Airbus opens new A321XLR equipment installation hangar

The new automated A321XLR outfitting hangar, which was today formally launched by Hamburg’s First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and German Aerospace Coordinator Anna Christmann, is helping Airbus advance its industrial system and increase ramp-up capacity. By doing so, Airbus advances the digitalization and modernization of its industrial system while increasing its capacity for the rate ramp-up of the A320 project to 75 in 2026.

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All the components of the A321XLR aircraft’s rear fuselages, which are also made in Hamburg, will be fitted and mounted in the new equipment installation hangar, named H259, which has 9,600 m2 of manufacturing area. The hangar is outfitted with a wide variety of cutting-edge technology for manufacture and operations, including entirely digital systems, automated logistics, and test stations that can output the status of each fuselage piece (both in terms of logistics and resources) at any moment.

All mechanical and electrical systems, as well as other components like windows, floor panels or exterior antennas, are installed in the nearly 24-meter-long fuselage sections on an automated “pulse line” made up of eight stations. As soon as the systems are installed, each portion of the fuselage is thoroughly inspected. Once on the final assembly line in Hamburg, the fuselage components are moved over.

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In order to produce an effective production flow and an ergonomically superior and contemporary working environment, the stations in the new hangar were carefully planned in close conjunction with the staff. The best circumstances for collaboration between the staff members doing the production and the supporting activities were also a major emphasis of the interior design.

The building was designed and constructed responsibly. The hangar is powered by a 3,000 m2 photovoltaic system on the roof, with extra energy going to the site. The considerable insulation of the ceiling and walls gives the office complex on the south side an exceptional level of insulation. The measures are completed by a completely automatic control system for lighting, ventilation, and heating.

Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.