A321
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 342
Troubleshooting; Workload; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
After returning to the gate on the previous flight; the maintenance department determined they could MEL the affected system. MEL 21-X was issued. We refueled; reviewed the MEL; new flight plan; and pushed back from the gate [XX] minutes later. After takeoff; our first ECAM came up regarding the Outlet valve and was dealt with and somewhat dismissed as part of the MEL item and no big deal. ZZZ Departure passed us on to Center and we were given a climb from 16;000 ft. to FL230. Somewhere below 10;000 ft.; we got another ECAM and this started a series of pressurization issues that concerned us to the point of requesting from Center to maintain 16;000 ft. until we were happy with the situation. The cabin was climbing at a higher rate than normal and we felt several pressure bumps. Somewhere in the 12;000-15;000 ft.; area still climbing to 16;000 ft.; we heard a very loud bang or pop and the cabin pressure shot up; CRC warning; more ECAM's; Flight Attendant call ringing; red cabin pressure warning as the cabin hit approximately 12;000 ft. [We advised ATC]. Immediate decent to 10;000 ft. Cleared straight back to ZZZ Airport and landed safely again with no issues. I will reiterate the Professional job and high level my Crew performed.Shortly after takeoff an ECAM message-VENT SKIN VALVE FAULT appeared. While working through the problem the ECAM instructed us to maintain max FL100. We made the decision to return to ZZZ for landing. This was a non event. Following SOP;s and staying inside the TEM; Aircraft X landed safely back in ZZZ approximately [XX] minutes later. My First Officer performed his duties perfectly using his many years of experience on the aircraft and I had a crew in the back that worked together preparing for the return with no issues. I always judge this by the comments from my passengers and we received no complaints and many compliments.
A321 Captain reported that a pressurization problem resulted in a return to the departure airport.