- Airbus inaugurates a new A321XLR equipment installation hangar in Hamburg, aiming to modernize and ramp up production to 75 A320 aircraft by 2026.
- The new hangar, spanning 9,600 square meters, incorporates cutting-edge technologies and sustainable design elements, including a 3,000 m2 photovoltaic system.
- Hamburg's First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and German Aerospace Coordinator Anna Christmann celebrate the new hangar as a vital step towards climate-neutral aviation.
Airbus' Hamburg Plant Takes Sustainable Steps Towards Climate-Neutral Aviation
HAMBURG — Airbus has marked a significant milestone with the official opening of its new A321XLR equipment installation hangar in Hamburg. The hangar was inaugurated by Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of Hamburg, and Anna Christmann, Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy. With this move, Airbus aims to achieve a rate ramp-up in the A320 program to 75 units by 2026, while simultaneously accelerating its journey toward sustainable and digitalized aviation.The new hangar, termed H259, features 9,600 square meters of production space where all components of the A321XLR's rear fuselages will be assembled. Cutting-edge technologies for operations and manufacturing are integrated into the facility, including automated logistics, fully digital systems, and real-time tracking test stations. Each nearly 24-meter-long fuselage section will undergo extensive testing right after system installation. Following this, these sections will move on to the final assembly line in Hamburg.
"The design of the building reflects the latest standards in production and sustainability," said André Walter, Head of Airbus Commercial Aircraft Production in Germany. He emphasized that this state-of-the-art installation facility bolsters Airbus' commitment to Hamburg as a key location for its operations. The design also aimed to create an ergonomically optimized and modern work environment, with optimal conditions for interdepartmental cooperation.
Hamburg, according to First Mayor Peter Tschentscher, is the world's third-largest civil aviation center and plays a pivotal role in Airbus' single-aisle development and production. He praised the new hangar as a crucial project for Hamburg, stating that it sets new benchmarks in sustainability, efficiency, and range for the A320 family.
According to Anna Christmann, the Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy, the hangar represents a crucial milestone in transitioning aviation towards climate neutrality. She lauded Airbus for its role as a pioneer in sustainable aviation, saying, "This transformation is the key to making Germany a future-oriented and competitive aerospace location."
The hangar’s design incorporated sustainability measures, including a 3,000 square meter photovoltaic system on the roof that not only powers the hangar but also contributes electricity to the larger site. The south-side office block is highly insulated, both in the ceilings and walls, and is complemented by a fully automatic control system for heating, ventilation, and lighting.
The planning of the new facility was carried out in close consultation with Airbus employees to ensure both an efficient production flow and an ergonomic workspace. With its new hangar, Airbus reiterates the significant role that the Hamburg site plays in the development and production of the A321XLR and reaffirms the company's commitment to sustainable aviation.
