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First A321LR takes to the skies for its maiden flight

A321 Long Range flight-test programme now underway

Up to 240 passengers and 4,000 nm range

Hamburg, 31st January 2018 – The first A321LR (Long Range) has taken off on its maiden flight from Hamburg Germany at 11:06 hrs local time, commencing its flight test programme. The aircraft, MSN7877, is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines.

The aircraft’s crew comprised: Experimental Test Pilots Yann Beaufils and Peter Lofts as well as Flight Test Engineers Frank Hohmeister, Jim Fawcett, Cedric Favrichon and Cabin Specialist Alexander Gentzsch.

The aircraft is now set to undergo a nearly 100 hour flight test programme, including transatlantic missions, for EASA and FAA Type Certification in Q2 2018. Entry into service is targeted for Q4 2018.

The A321LR features a new door configuration, enabling its operators to accommodate up to 240 passengers in Airbus’ widest Single Aisle fuselage in the sky. The new Airspace by Airbus cabin available on the A320 Family additionally enhances the passengers’ unrivalled travel experience. With further options, combining an increased Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of 97 tonnes and a third Additional Centre Fuel Tank (ACT), the aircraft’s range extends to 4,000nm (7,400 km), allowing airlines to tap into new long range market opportunities.

Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 20 percent by 2020. With more than 1900 orders received from over 50 customers, to date the A321neo has captured a solid 80 percent of market share, making it the true aircraft of choice in the Middle of the Market.

Aviation

Nepal Plane Crash: 18 Dead as Aircraft Crashes During Takeoff pilot survives

On July 24, 2024, a tragic accident unfolded at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu when a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff.

The incident occurred around 11:00 AM local time as the flight, bound for Pokhara, was preparing for departure. The aircraft, carrying 19 individuals including the aircrew, crashed shortly after lifting off the runway. According to PTI, “at least 18 people were killed” in the accident.

The casualties included 18 Nepalis and one Yemeni citizen, all of whom were employees of Saurya Airlines, as confirmed by police. The aircraft was en route for technical maintenance at the time of the crash.

This led in the crash of Yeti Airlines Flight 691, which killed 72 lives:Click here

Images released by Nepal police showed thick smoke pouring from the burning wreckage on the runway. Eyewitnesses, as reported by The Kathmandu Post, described how the plane flipped after its wing-tip struck the ground during takeoff.

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's Kathmandu. Details awaited pic.twitter.com/tWwPOFE1qI— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

The impact led to an immediate fire, and the aircraft subsequently plunged into a gorge on the eastern side of the runway. Rescue operations commenced swiftly, with police and firefighters arriving at the scene to control the situation.

The aviation authority confirmed that rescue efforts were initiated immediately, but the crash underscores the persistent dangers associated with air travel in Nepal. The country’s challenging mountainous terrain often contributes to aviation risks.

Man Falls From Airplane Door In Indonesia After Staff Pull Back Stairs:Click here

The pilot of the aircraft survived the crash and was transported to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital for treatment, as reported by a doctor at the hospital who was not authorized to speak to the media.

In response to the incident, Tribhuvan International Airport, the primary hub for both international and domestic flights in Nepal, was closed as emergency crews worked at the site.