Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the better-wp-security domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Airbus rolls out first A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex). Seats up to 240 – Bangalore Aviation
First assembled Airbus A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex) rolls out at Hamburg. Airbus image.

Airbus rolls out first A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex). Seats up to 240

January 10, 2018 Comments Off on Airbus rolls out first A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex). Seats up to 240 849 Views

European airframer Airbus has rolled out the first A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex) aircraft which can seat up to 240 passengers. The airframe powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines will now begin testing, first on the ground and then in-flight. The first delivery of the A321neo ACF is scheduled for mid-2018.

The ACF concept was introduced in July 2014. It uses new slim seats which decreases seat pitch to 28 inches, and relocated ultra-slim rear lavatories allowing addition of more rows of seats. The ACF allows airlines to seat up to 189 passengers in the A320 frame (up from 180) and up to 240 passengers in the A321 frame (up from 220).

Capital Airlines Airbus A321 D-AVZY. Returning from a test flight.
Capital Airlines Airbus A321 D-AVZY. Returning from a test flight.

Compared to a regular A321 (pictured above) or A321neo, the A321neo ACF incorporates changes to the airframe. This includes removal of the front doors (door 2) located just ahead of the wing, adding of over-wing exits, and moving the doors located just behind the wing (door 3), an extra four frames back. Airlines can de-activate these doors too.

Airbus Cabin Flex. A321neo 240 seat proposal.
Airbus Cabin Flex. A321neo 240 seat proposal. Shifting the mid-exit door.

Changes inside the cabin include relocating the rear toilets in to what used to be part of the rear galley originally offered under the Airbus Space Flex banner.

Airbus Cabin Flex. A321neo 240 seat proposal. Cabin layout.
Airbus Cabin Flex. A321neo 240 seat proposal. Cabin layout.

Default design from 2020

The A321neo ACF is available as an option today, but will become standard for all A321neos around 2020.

A321LR Transatlantic

The A321neo ACF is also the base design for the transatlantic capable A321LR Long Range variant. The A321LR 4,000nm range ability of the is reflected in the livery with the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. The first delivery of an A321LR is targeted for Q4 2018.

The A321LR will replace the ageing fleet of Boeing 757s which operate the transatlantic routes of many carriers including American Airlines, United, Delta and others.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

Check Also

PARIS 2019: Indigo Partners and American Airlines order A321XLRs

Airbus has announced two more orders for its new A321XLR. The first is from Indigo …

+OK
+OK