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| A321LR takes off. Airbus photo |
The newest Airbus aircraft, the A321LR, completed its maiden flight today in Europe. The flight was two hours and 36 minutes. Powered by new CFM LEAP-1A engines and sporting a third fuel tank option, it can fly more than 4,300 miles non-stop, which opens up new transatlantic routes using the popular single-aisle jetliner. The A321LR (Long Range), which can accommodate up to 240 passengers, now undergoes a nearly 100-hour flight test program and is expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2018. The Airbus plant in Mobile, Ala., will be producing the LR variant starting in 2019, according to Kristi Tucker, spokeswoman for the Mobile plant. (Source: GCAC, 01/31/18)
Airbus release
