Airbus formally offers A320neo

Airbus announced (01-Dec-2010) the launch of the A320neo (new engine option), offering new fuel saving engines as an option for the A319, A320 and A321. The manufacturer will offer the choice of CFM International's LEAP-X engine and Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1100G engine. Airbus will commence deliveries of the A320neo in the northern spring 2016. The A320neo will deliver significant fuel savings of up to 15%, offering an annual saving of up to 3600 tonnes of CO2 per A320neo. In addition, A320neo customers will benefit from a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions, reduced engine noise, lower operating costs and up to 500nm (950km) more range or two tonnes more payload. Airbus sees a market potential of 4000 A320neo-family aircraft over the next 15 years. Sharklet large wingtip devices will be offered as a forward-fit option. The new engine option will require limited modifications, primarily to the wing and pylon areas. The A320neo will have about 95% airframe commonality with the standard A320. Airbus stated it plans to invest just over EUR1 billion in the programme (Reuters, 01-Dec-2010). The new programme has "strong customer interest", including IndiGo, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa, which has agreed to study details of the aircraft. Airbus is also in talks with "several" leasing companies, including ILFC and GECAS. [more]

Airbus: "This is not really a huge investment from Airbus. We are going to be spending a little over a billion euros on this programme. We are not redesigning the A320," John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer: Source: Reuters, 01-Dec-2010.

Airbus: "We are confident that the A320neo will be a great success across all markets and with all types of operators, offering them maximum benefit with minimum change. We are leveraging a reliable, mature aircraft and are making it even more efficient and environmentally friendly," Tom Enders, President and CEO. Source: Airbus, 01-Dec-2010.