This week, Lufthansa Technik signed an agreement with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to equip two new Airbus A321neoLR jets for the German Air Force. The delivery of these planes should be complete in 2022.
Well-equipped units
Lufthansa Technik provides maintenance, completions, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft. The company is a subsidiary of the German aviation powerhouse, Lufthansa.
According to a press release seen by Simple Flying, the aircraft will first arrive at Lufthansa Technik’s facilities in Hamburg in August and October 2021. Here, the company’s staff will work on the planes to make them ready for deployment.
Multifunctional units
The German military will use these jets for their versatility across operations. Ultimately, it will be able to transport soldiers and medical personnel during its tasks.
“Lufthansa Technik’s VIP & Special Mission Aircraft Services business unit will prepare the two aircraft for various types of missions such as troop transport and the MedEvac role (medical evacuation). With the appropriate installations, the aircraft can be used in 18 different interior configurations,” the Lufthansa Technik said, as per its press release.
“Their passenger transport capacity ranges from 136 to 163 passengers. Furthermore, the transport of up to six intensive care patients, the transport of up to twelve slightly or moderately ill/injured patients, as well as various mixed configurations for patient transport are possible.”
The group highlights how the Air Force will take on a future-proof, modern passenger aircraft type. These units can be deployed in various highly flexible cabin configurations and will be effective on both short and long-distance operations.
Effective fleet members
Altogether, the Federal Ministry of Defence’s (BMVg) Special Air Mission Wing will operate the two jets. The models will join the other Airbus A320 family aircraft already in the organization’s holdings.
Airbus launched the A321LR in January 2015 to extend the range of the popular aircraft type. The manufacturer shared that it would have a range of 4,000 nmi (7,400 km) and could hold 206 seats in two classes. Subsequently, Arkia Israeli Airlines received the first of these aircraft in November 2018.
The versatility and robustness of the A321LR will undoubtedly be useful in the German Air Force’s fleet. The capacity and range will certainly help on missions across the globe. Additionally, the positive response of the aircraft even prompted Airbus to announce the A321XLR, which has a range of 4,700 mi (8704. km).
Simple Flying reached out to Lufthansa Technik for further comment on this news but did not hear back before publication. We will update the article with any new information.
What are your thoughts about Lufthansa Technik equipping the German Air Force with two A321LRs? Do you think that this is a good move for both parties? Let us know what you think of the agreement in the comment section.