Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract with Airbus to become a supplier on the A321 Airbus Cabin Flex Programme. The agreement covers design, development and manufacturing of the Door Plug 3 and Cover Plate. This is Saab's first design-to-build programme within the Airbus Doors Community and gives Saab a greater role on this fast-growing aviation programme.

The fixed Door Structure “Plug Door 3” option is a dedicated structure that together with an alternative escape door gives the possibilities to optimize the aircraft cabin utilization all the way from a 3-class configuration to a high density one-class configuration.

Saab is responsible for the design, development, stress analysis and manufacture of the Door Plug 3 and Cover Plate as well as the development and procurement of production tools. The work package is metallic and includes a high degree of assembly. Most of the development will be completed by the Saab/Mahindra JV Saab India Tech Centre (SITC) in Hyderabad, with the assembly at the Saab/Aequs JV Aerostructures Assemblies India in Belgaum.

“This contract marks a break-through on yet another Airbus platform confirming our expertise and competitiveness as a global actor on the commercial aviation market and as an important and long-term partner to Airbus. It also places our Indian network on the Airbus map,” says Lars Jensen, head of business unit Aerostructures at Saab.

Saab is responsible for the development and production of complex airframe assemblies for the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus and Boeing. In addition to the door plug 3 for the A321 ACF, Saab provides Airbus with Flap Support Structures and Fairings for the A350-1000, the mid and outer wing leading-edge for the Airbus A380 plus ailerons and doors for other Airbus and Boeing aircraft.