Lufthansa Technik AG handed over the first of two Airbus A321LR (Long Range) strategic troop transports to the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) at the ILA Berlin Airshow on June 23.
The conversion of this initial aircraft (serial 15+10) into a flexible troop/passenger transport, as well as VIP flight operations for short-, medium- and long-haul routes began last December. In this configuration, the converted airliner has a capacity of 136 passengers.
As part of this initial modification phase, Lufthansa Technik has made extensive modifications, allowing the A321LR to fulfil an additional medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) role. This has encompassed an extended oxygen supply on board, which is necessary for its upcoming use as a ‘flying intensive care unit’. The necessary supplemental type certificate, both civil and military, for the aircraft – together with the associated Patiententransporteinheit Neuer Generation (PTE NG, New Generation Patient Transport Units) – is planned for mid-2023.
“The handover of the first A321LR to the German Air Force is another milestone for us in what has become a successful partnership spanning decades. I am all the more pleased that we have once again succeeded in meeting the high demands of our customer…
