Innovations
A320neo is certified
Innovation is a word used frequently in Airbus as it is one of the pillars that the company’s success has been built upon. ‘Incremental innovation’ was introduced as a strategy to achieve results faster and smarter while reducing risk. The certification of the first A320neo (new engine option) in November by both the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) was a critical element of the strategy’s success.
The A320neo, soon to be delivered to Lufthansa, use a proven and reliable platform preferred by airlines and the travelling public alike, introduces the latest engine technology from Pratt & Whitney and CFM and delivers the improvements to the market in a shorter timeframe.
Not only was the A320neo certified on schedule, it will also be delivered on specification, providing the promised 15 percent fuel burn saving compared to an A320ceo (current engine option). In fact, and of specific interest to airlines in the region, the low speed performance is actually better than predicted leading to improved payloads from some of our more challenging airports.
But Airbus hasn’t stopped there and has continued to innovate by introducing cabin enablers such as ‘Space-Flex’ and ‘Smart Lavatories’ that increase seat counts while maintaining passenger comfort. Fuel burn will be further reduced by 2 percent for deliveries starting in 2019. Combining these innovations and improvements will lead to a 20 percent fuel burn reduction per seat by 2020 compared to today’s aircraft.
All-in-all the A320neo has been an unparalleled success, both in terms of innovation and by delivering on specification. With almost 4,500 aircraft sold to date, the economics of single aisle aircraft operations will fundamentally change. Airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean will soon be benefitting from another of Airbus’ industry-leading innovations due to their commitment to take delivery of nearly 400 A320neo Family aircraft and giving Airbus a market share of 68 percent in the region.
For more information:
Paul Moultrie, Head of Airline Marketing, Latin America & Caribbean
paul.moultrie@airbus.com
