First Iberia Airbus A321XLR spied at rejected takeoff test before global launch

The brand-new first Airbus A321XLR destined for launch customer Iberia has been spotted at the planemakers’ Hamburg facility, conducting a rejected takeoff test (RTO) ahead of the aircraft type’s global roll-out. 

Pictures of the Airbus A321XLR dressed in the Iberia livery were captured on September 30, 2024, by aviation photojournalist Dick Grothe, who noted the aircraft registration as EC-OIL. 

On X, Grove (@digro65) wrote: “Here we go: the first customer #A321XLR to be delivered to launch customer @Iberia with rto-tests today at Airbus Hamburg, will be EC-OIL… note the “AIRBUS A321 XLR” under the titles and “1927-1939” under the cockpit…” 

During an RTO test, an aircraft is challenged to perform the critical maneuver with fully worn-out brakes, maximum takeoff weight and without thrust reversers.  

According to Airbus, if takeoff is aborted at V1 (the maximum speed at which a rejected takeoff can be initiated), the aircraft “must be able to be stopped before the end of the runway, without exceeding the maximum energy the brakes can absorb”.   

here we go:the first customer #A321XLR to be delivered to launch customer @Iberia with rto-tests today at Airbus Hamburg, will be EC-OIL…note the “AIRBUS A321 XLR” under the titles and “1927-1939” under the cockpit… pic.twitter.com/C2QmYErKq6— Dirk Grothe | Aviation Photography (@digro65) September 30, 2024 The Airbus A321XLR aircraft, a long-distance variant of the A321neo, will enter service with Spanish carrier Iberia on October 26, 2024, according to AeroRoutes. 

At first the aircraft will operate between European destinations, before flights to the United States (US) begin in November 2024.  

In 2019, parent-company IAG placed an initial order for 14 A321XLRs, with six intended to go to Aer Lingus and eight to Iberia. 

It was expected that Aer Lingus would be the launch customer, but disruptions over pilot salaries during the summer saw the baton passed to Iberia.  

Last week, the first Airbus A350-900 destined for Emirates was spotted performing an RTO test and venturing out from the Airbus final assembly plant for its maiden flight at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) 

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