Airbus aims for first A320neo flight in 2014

Airbus announced (28-Apr-2011) it is targetting the autumn of 2014 for a maiden flight of its A320neo, with certification to follow about one year later. Entry into service is scheduled for Oct-2015. Current planning calls for an eight-aircraft flight test programme, which will accumulate a combined total of approximately 2600 flight hours. The manufacturer has orders and commitments from IndiGo, Virgin America, ILFC and TAM. The aircraft will feature "sharklet" wing-tip devices and two new engine choices - CFM International's LEAP-X and the PW1100G by Pratt & Whitney. Modifications for the A320neo configuration include certain structural changes to specific airframe areas, along with a new engine pylon. Earlier this year, customers selected the PW1100G as lead development engine. [more]