Airbus has officially selected the former A380 assembly line at the Jean-Luc Lagardère facility as its second production site for the A321XLR, marking a significant shift in the company’s operations. According to a report from La Dépêche, based in Toulouse, France, Airbus commenced the assembly of its first-ever A321XLR at this site in December 2024.
The transition from A380 production to A321XLR assembly reflects Airbus’s strategic decision to prioritize more fuel-efficient and versatile aircraft in response to the evolving needs of the aviation industry. The A321XLR, an extended-range version of the A321neo, promises greater efficiency and a longer reach for airlines like Iberia, which has already placed orders for the new aircraft.
As part of the assembly process at the Jean-Luc Lagardère facility, Airbus will be responsible for installing the cabin furnishings and engines on the airframe. Iberia’s A321XLRs are powered by two CFM International LEAP-1A engines, known for their fuel efficiency and low emissions, contributing to the airline’s sustainability goals.
Ch-aviation data revealed that Iberia’s second A321XLR, with the manufacturer serial number (MSN) 11686, will be delivered by Airbus in March 2025. Iberia received its first A321XLR in October 2024, and this new addition will further expand the airline’s fleet of cutting-edge, long-haul aircraft.
Interestingly, while MSN 11686 is set to be delivered in March, it is being assembled in Hamburg, Germany, not at the Jean-Luc Lagardère facility. This reflects the ongoing coordination across multiple Airbus production sites as the company scales up production to meet the rising demand for the A321XLR.
This move to repurpose the A380 assembly line demonstrates Airbus’s flexibility and ability to adapt to changing market demands. As the aviation industry recovers and evolves, the A321XLR will be a key part of airlines’ fleets, offering greater fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and increased range for both short- and long-haul routes.