general

Airbus has assembled the first A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex), a version of the re-engined narrowbody that allows for higher seating capacity. The CFM International LEAP-1A-powered A321neo ACF was assembled at Airbus’ Hamburg facilities and will now undergo ground testing. The aircraft’s first flight will occur in “coming weeks,” Airbus said. The first delivery of an A321neo ACF is targeted for mid-2018. By modifying the passenger door configuration on the A321neo, a new rear section is added on the ACF variant and the aircraft can be configured to seat as many as 240 passengers. The ACF also serves as the base model for the A321neoLR, which will have a third underfloor fuel tank allowing for longer range flights of up to 4,000 nautical miles. <br/>

Clean-up after the winter storm that battered the Northeast continued to be slow for airlines over the weekend, hampered by more problems at New York John F. Kennedy International, as a water main break closed an international terminal. More than 400 flights were canceled in the US Sunday as of midday, and nearly 1,600 were delayed, meaning more than 15 minutes late. In the mid-afternoon, a water-main break flooded the international-arrivals section of Terminal 4, leaving 3 inches of water and knocking out heat and power to 80% of that area. The Port Authority stopped international arrivals. Air India, Asiana , Avianca, China Airlines, KLM, Delta, SIA, Swiss, Emirates, JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic are among the airlines that use that terminal. <br/>