Airbus completes first A320neo test flight

For the first time, an Airbus A320neo has taken to the air for its first test flight.



And it landed at Toulouse, southwest France; 27 years after the original A320 first took to the skies.



The Airbus A320neo family is a family of aircraft under development by Airbus replacing the predecessor A320 family - now known as A320ceo (current engine option).



The letters “neo” stand for “new engine option”. Customers will have a choice of either the CFM International LEAP-1A or the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines.



The modernisation programme also included such improvements as: Aerodynamic refinements, large curved winglets (Sharklets), weight savings, a new cabin with larger luggage spaces, and an improved air purification system.



These improvements in combination are predicted to result in 15% less fuel consumption per aircraft, 8% lower operating costs, less noise production, and a reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by at least 10% compared to the A320 series, as well as an increase in range of approximately 500 nautical miles.



Source: Airwise News and Wikipedia