TOULOUSE- It seems that Airbus has increased the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) for the A350-1000 to 322 tonnes, as indicated by regulatory documents.
Previously, the airframer’s documentation had listed the MTOW of the A350-1000’s heaviest variant as 319 tonnes. However, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) updated its type certificate data on October 25 to reflect a 322-tonne take-off weight.
Airbus A350-1000 Take-off Weight
EASA’s documentation also maintains the maximum landing and maximum zero-fuel weights at 236 tonnes and 223 tonnes, respectively.
Increased take-off weights allow the aircraft to carry a larger payload over extended distances, reported FlightGlobal.
Airbus had proposed the 319-tonne variant of the A350-1000 to Qantas (QF) for its “Project Sunrise,” which involves long-haul flights from London and New York to Australia.
Additionally, Airbus is leveraging the A350-1000 airframe in the development of its new A350 freighter, which is specified to have a maximum take-off weight of 319 tonnes.
Exploring Solution for A321XLR Range Penalty
European planemaker Airbus is actively exploring solutions to ensure that the modifications made to the A321XLR fuel tank do not result in a significant weight increase that would impact the aircraft’s range.
The inaugural flight of the first A321XLR took place on 15th June 2022, marking a successful milestone.
The aircraft has now initiated its flight test campaign, working towards obtaining Type Certification in 2023, and is set to enter into service in 2024.
The A321XLR, set to begin service in the second quarter of the following year, is designed to enable airlines to operate routes of up to 4,700 nautical miles.
However, the large aft center fuel tank responsible for providing this extended range has prompted new safety regulations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
To address this, Airbus has developed an internal lining for the fuel tank to minimize the potential for substantial fuel leakage and fire in the event of an accident.
During the Paris Air Show, Philippe Mhun, the Executive Vice President for Programmes, assured FlightGlobal that the range of the aircraft remained unaffected by the modifications.
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