Just in time for Farnborough….

Airbus – announced on Friday 19 July that the A321XLR had received Type Certification from EASA. A significant milestone passed for its entry into service later this summer. So, here’s a few stats about this single aisle game-changer. Considered to be a route opener, this aircraft will fly passengers up to 4,700km “in superior Airspace cabin comfort”. Its environment credentials boast 25% less fuel burn and emissions.

It’s taken 4 years to get to pre-certification. Many teams have worked together to ensure the aircraft is ready to handover to its customers. Some will continue to work with airlines after delivery providing continuous operational support with technical document updates and spare parts. One of the biggest challenges for the Type Certification and Entry-Into-Service (EIS) of any new aircraft off the production line is for its manufacturer to provide a full set of accompanying documents known as the “Instructions for Continued Airworthiness” (ICA). These documents ensure that the type certification airworthiness standard is maintained throughout each aircraft’s operational life. They form the basis for the operators’ approved maintenance data. Airframe ICAs typically provide information about mandatory and recommended overhaul periods, often listing the required special tools. Also included may be instructions on how to use the tooling for the removal/installation of parts and equipment, which is another key part are maintenance procedures. Engine ICAs include overhaul instructions, for which the respective engine OEM is responsible.

Airworthiness regulations require 100% of the ICAs to be completed at EIS, for each aircraft delivery. For the A321XLR these must be submitted by a fixed deadline in Summer 2024.

The onus is on the Type Certificate holder (Airbus) to produce all the completed procedures prior to delivery and EIS of a new aircraft. Even far-out scheduled maintenance tasks, such as those to be performed 10 years after service entry, must be incorporated into the ICA at EIS. The ICAs are regarded as a prerequisite to fly for any new aircraft on any programme.

Airbus Customer Services has put the resources in place to meet the challenge. The authors will also likely face last-minute qualifications which will be formally validated and incorporated into the aircraft technical documentation.

All new design elements, such as the extended belly fairing, require new technical documentation. The ability to repair or replace is also covered, so Airbus stock sufficient spares and tooling, either at Satair in Hamburg or at various locations worldwide. A small team will also be placed within the customer airline for 6 months, its members coming from the initial development team.

Who is the launch customer? That’s Iberia, part of IAG. It was originally Aer Lingus, but industrial relations unrest amongst its pilots has meant the Spanish airline will take delivery of its first of 8 aircraft soon.

Boeing – there still seems a long way to go before the 777X launch, although the company has been very keen to publicise the progress being made. The Twitter/X account @b777xlovers has detailed information about where the aircraft is and what it’s doing with the help of FR24. Strangely, since Emirates President Sir Tim Clark openly criticised Boeing’s progress in June, there seems to have been a surge in 777X testing.

There are 3 aircraft conducting test flights. WH001 reg N779XW, WH002 reg N779XX and WH003 reg N779XY. Most recently WH002 completed a series of nacelle cooling flight tests in Hawaii. Also, WH003 successfully completed a second round of FAA tests which included airspeed calibration. Then FAA were onboard on 13 July to collect flight test data.

And finally….

Next up after RIAT is Farnborough Air Show. Held every 2 years, it usually generates a lot of interest in plenty of exhibits. BA attending for the first time, with their A320neo showing off its new seats and interior. Amongst the other exhibits will be Virgin Atlantic A330-900neo Ruby Rebel and Embraer’s E2 Profit Hunter. This show covers commercial and military aviation with active flying and static exhibits. There are also stands looking at systems and the future of air travel.

So, if you are attending, please don’t forget to post your photos/videos on the website and a trip report would be great!

Information courtesy of Airbus, b777xlovers (Twitter/X), Farnborough Air Show

Images courtesy of Simple Flying, Boeing

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