The delay was prompted by concerns raised by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regarding the additional rear fuel tank integrated into the aircraft's design.
Specifically, there were worries about a potential reduction in range, estimated at 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres), due to necessary design adjustments to the rear fuel tank. However, Airbus has since addressed these concerns, reportedly resolving the issue surrounding the potential range reduction.
Currently, Airbus is in the final stages of completing the certification process for the A321XLR. The aircraft manufacturer is striving to ensure that the model is prepared for delivery by the third quarter of 2024. However, the delay in the certification process has extended the timeline, with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury acknowledging that the process is taking longer than initially anticipated.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Cruising Heights.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Cruising Heights.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
VIDARBHA INDIA'S NEXT AVIATION HUB?
With the modernisation process for Nagpur Airport moving ahead in full steam, Vidarbha, a long-overlooked region in Maharashtra, is gaining momentum as a potential aviation hub with significant infrastructure projects like Air India's aviation academy in Amravati and the ISHAN air traffic management scheme. But what will really give a film to the region is the development of Nagpur airport by the GMR Group, the creation of a second runway and a spanking new terminal.
BUSINESS AVIATION INDIA'S MISSED OPPORTUNITY?
India's Missed Opportunity?
INDIGO'S WET LEASE GAMBLEAN OPPORTUNITY OR A COST RISK?
IndiGo’s reliance on wet-leased aircraft, including six MAX 8 jets, highlights its efforts to tackle grounded planes and expand capacity. While offering flexibility, this approach poses cost and operational challenges, writes AMEYA JOSHI.
LAST-MILE DELIVERY, AI GOES THE DISTANCE
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising air cargo and last-mile delivery by optimising logistics, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency. Despite challenges, Al-driven solutions promise transformative growth for the cargo industry, writes R CHANDRAKANTH
TAMIL NADU'S REGIONAL AVIATION SURGE
Tamil Nadu is set for an aviation boom, with upgrades to key regional airports and plans for new facilities like the Hosur and Parandur airports. These developments aim to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and attract trade and tourism across the state, writes RASHEED KAPPAN
POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Artificial Intelligence promises to transform Air Traffic Management (ATM), improving efficiency, safety, and decision-making. Despite its potential, challenges like regulatory complexities and integration barriers must be addressed, writes DR. S K SARASWATI
INSIGHTFUL MRO
Predictive maintenance is a clear digital priority for MROs. This transformative approach enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and minimises downtime, addressing evolving challenges in fleet management, writes ATUL CHANDRA
INDIAN AVIATION'S 2025 TAKEOFF
India's aviation sector soared to record-breaking domestic passenger traffic in 2024, highlighting robust growth despite challenges like supply chain disruptions and infrastructure constraints. As 2025 unfolds, transformative fleet expansions, new airports, and regional connectivity initiatives promise unprecedented growth, but questions about profitability and execution remain, analyses AMEYA JOSHI
HIGH ON HYDROGEN
Hydrogen fuel presents a transformative opportunity for sus-tainable aviation, offering zero-emission potential. With industry giants like Airbus and Embraer leading advancements, its deployment remains a decade away, observes ATUL CHANDRA
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF BUSINESS JETS IN AN ENCOURAGING MARKET
India's business jet market is witnessing growth, fueled by rising UHNWIS and increasing private jet demand. Yet, challenges like high operational costs, inadequate infrastructure, and unclear fractional ownership policies hinder its full potential, explains R. CHANDRAKANTH
