The Long Rang version of the Airbus A321neo may be used on long-haul flights.   
   Both the European EASA and the American FAA have issued a type certificate for   
   the airplane, including ETOPS authorization. This allows long flights above   
   the sea.   
       
   The A321LR is an A321 equipped with three additional central fuel tanks, or   
   Additional Center Tanks (ACTs). With 206 passengers on board, the twin-engine   
   aircraft can bridge a distance of 7,408 kilometers directly.   
       
   The ETOPS authorization makes it possible to fly for up to three hours on one   
   engine, so that the aircraft can be used on all transatlantic routes according   
   to Airbus. That means a new milestone in the history of the A321, the original   
   version of which flew for the first time 25 years ago.   
       
   The so-called Airbus Cabin Flex (ACF) option is also certified. This concerns   
   an adaptation to the hull structure, whereby the entrance doors and emergency   
   exits can be arranged according to the customer's wishes. Linked to this is an   
   increase in the maximum take-off weight to 97 tonnes.   
       
   Airbus emphasizes that the extra high take-off weight is only possible with   
   A321neos with the ACF option, as well as the possibility to install three   
   ACTs. Up to now, there was room for a maximum of two ACTs in the A321. The ACF   
   configuration will be standard on all A321neos from 2020. The extra high MTOW   
   and the installation of up to three additional central fuel tanks remain   
   optional.   
       
   The A321LR has been ordered to date by Norwegian, Aer Lingus, Peach, Jetstar   
   and Air Transat, while AirAsia X is considering the purchase of the aircraft.   
   Primera Air, which filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday, also planned to add   
   A321LRs to the fleet via leasing companies.   
       
   **********   
       
   ETOPS: Extented Twin engine Operations allowing aircraft to fly up to 180   
   minutes away from the nearest airport. While crossing the northern Atlantic   
   due to the curvature of the tracks, one is never 180 minutes away from an   
   airport therefore a whole new range of narrow body airplanes can now make the   
   trip. It's the next revolution in air travel, after the 747 made long haul   
   flying possible for common people, now point-to-point flights between   
   secondary airports become possible   
       
   7.408km ... to give you an idea ...   
             Brussels-Calgary   
             Amsterdam-Anchorage   
             London-Vancouver   
             Paris-Mumbai   
       
   ... not that any of these are secondary, but for example Rotterdam to   
   Hartford, CT is possible    
      
   --- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33   
    * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)