Airlines
Airbus Secures Green Light for A321XLR Mini-Suite Installations
Airbus has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its A321XLR, with the recent approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to install mini-suites in the cabin. As reported by Flight Global.
This approval is a crucial step forward for Airbus, marking a notable expansion in the aircraft’s cabin offerings, including specialized suites designed to assist passengers with reduced mobility.
Earlier this year, Airbus sought authorization from the FAA for these mini-suite installations on behalf of a US operator. This approval extends beyond the previously approved A321neo variants, demonstrating Airbus’s commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and accessibility.
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The new mini-suites will feature ‘PRM-suites’—a designation for suites specifically designed to aid passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). These PRM-suites will be integrated into the cabin to facilitate easier boarding, disembarkation, and movement during the flight.
The FAA approval document details that the PRM-suites will be situated alongside other mini-suites and will include a movable wall and door. When deployed, the movable wall functions as a temporary door, seamlessly integrating with the adjacent mini-suite to enhance accessibility.
This approval follows the recent Type Certification of the a321xlr by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The certification was officially presented to Airbus by Florian Guillermet, EASA’s Executive Director, and received by Isabelle Bloy, A321XLR Chief Engineer. The certification marks a pivotal moment as Airbus prepares for the a321xlr certification date anticipated entry into service by the end of summer.
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The A321XLR is distinguished by its impressive fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It consumes 30% less fuel per seat compared to previous generation competitors and offers approximately half the trip cost of modern widebody aircraft. The new Airspace cabin of the a321xlr certification promises to deliver long-haul comfort across all classes, further cementing Airbus’s position in the competitive long-range aircraft market.
Airlines
First Look: IndiGo Takes Delivery of A321neo with New Business Class
India’s largest domestic airline, IndiGo (6E), celebrated its 18th anniversary in August 2024 by announcing a major upgrade: a new Business Class product called “IndiGo Stretch.”
Now, the airline has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft fitted with these premium seats. Registered as VT-ICF, this first A321neo with the new configuration took off from Hamburg (XFW) at 6:06 PM local time, operating flight 6E9001.
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The launch route for IndiGo’s A321neo with IndiGo Stretch seats will be from Delhi to Mumbai, starting November 14, 2024. After this initial route, the airline plans to expand the offering across its network.
Airbus completed the final assembly of this special aircraft in Hamburg, where the A321neo Final Assembly Line is located. Enthusiastic planespotters got a sneak peek of the new IndiGo Stretch interior before the aircraft’s official delivery to India.
Tobias Gudat, a planespotter on X.com, captured images of the aircraft, still marked with its test registration, showcasing its fresh Business Class interior.
Adding a distinctive touch, each IndiGo aircraft featuring the Stretch product will have the slogan “IndiGo Means Business” displayed on the fuselage, signaling a new era of premium travel for the airline.
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IndiGo took delivery of the A321neo with the Stretch seats on October 30, 2024, coinciding with Airbus’s delivery of the world’s first A321XLR to Iberia.
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