The Airbus A320 series – the design has been around a fair while now, with airlines picking up and using the aircraft and forming fleets around it as well as its subtypes.
Certainly, it’s one of my favourite short-haul aircraft in terms of passenger comfort (allowing for wider seats than the Boeing 737 family).
As demands have changed, so has the aircraft, with the newest version of the Airbus A320 – the A320neo (new engine option) now in the final assembly shop.
First A320neo – Image, Airbus S.A.S.
This picture shows the join up of the forward and aft fuselage sections of the plane, with wings to follow next. The aircraft will be configured with Sharkets (the currently preferred Airbus narrow body wingtip device) and fitted with either CFM International LEAP-1A or Pratt and Whitney PW1000G engines
The A320neo series will be made up three subtypes – A319neo, A320neo and A321neo – each taking over the respective existing model.
There are still many challenges to go for the A320neo as the aircraft are assembled, which will require testing and appropriate solutions.
The first flight of this aircraft is due during the latter part of 2014, with entry into service a year later. Once they start rolling off the production line – expect to see a lot of them as orders for over 2000 A320neo series aircraft exist…
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