TOULOUSE- Airbus has achieved a milestone by successfully delivering the inaugural Airbus A321neo assembled at its recently inaugurated A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) situated in Toulouse.
Pegasus Airlines, a prominent low-cost carrier (LCC) in Turkey, will operate the A321neo, marking the initial delivery from Airbus’ cutting-edge production facility. Housed in the former A380 “Jean-Luc Lagardère” building, this assembly line exemplifies Airbus’ dedication to modernization and its commitment to meeting the escalating global demand for the A321neo, now representing almost 65% of the Airbus A320 Family order backlog.
Airbus A321neo from Toulouse Assembly Line
The A321neo stands as the largest member of the Airbus A320neo Family, showcasing its unparalleled range and performance capabilities.
Featuring state-of-the-art engines and Sharklets, the A321neo achieves a remarkable 50% reduction in noise footprint and over a 20% decrease in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared to its predecessors in the single-aisle aircraft category.
Simultaneously, it prioritizes passenger comfort with the broadest single-aisle cabin in the sky. Over 5,600 A321neos have been ordered by more than 100 customers globally.
Pegasus Airlines (PC) currently operates a fleet of 93 Airbus aircraft, comprising 6 A320ceo, 46 A320neo, and 41 A321neo. Additionally, the airline has 68 A321neos on order.
The delivery of this aircraft to Pegasus Airlines marks the commencement of the production escalation at the new Toulouse Final Assembly Line (FAL).
Collaborating with other A320 Family FALs in Hamburg (Germany), Mobile (USA), and Tianjin (China), the Toulouse facility aims to contribute to Airbus’ objective of manufacturing 75 A320 Family aircraft per month by the year 2026.
Towards Higher Output
In Toulouse, the new assembly line in the world’s second-largest building will feature robotic pickers that select parts and tools for workers. At the same time, additional robots will be deployed to join different sections of the aircraft.
The inauguration of the new assembly line is part of Airbus’s larger reorganization plan aimed at increasing total A320-family output.
The company aims to raise production to 75 aircraft per month by 2026, a significant increase from the current rate of approximately 45 aircraft per month.
While some suppliers have expressed skepticism about achieving this ambitious target, Airbus remains committed to streamlining its operations and meeting market demands.
Although the focus has shifted to smaller aircraft, remnants of the A380 still linger. Reuters reported that a section of the plant has been set aside for an 18-month program of A380 inspections and repairs.
Wing spar cracks were discovered, prompting the need for thorough assessments and necessary maintenance. This demonstrates that while the A380 may be a thing of the past, Airbus continues to address its legacy with dedication and attention to detail.
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