Thu, Jun 02, 2016
First Deliveries Planned For Later This Year
The FAA and EASA have both certified the second engine option for the Airbus A320neo. Both agencies have approved CFM International’s LEAP-1A engine for use on the aircraft. This certification paves the way for the delivery of the first A320neo equipped with this engine type in mid-2016.
The award follows by six months the initial Certificate of Airworthiness received from the EASA and FAA for the A320neo, powered by the Pratt & Whitney engine option. The first A320neo was delivered on 20th January 2016.
“This key milestone for the A320neo program, and its second engine option – the specially developed LEAP-1A, is a double seal of approval by the two major international governing bodies and comes after the A320neo Family had successfully accomplished a rigorous programme of certification trials," said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to the entry into service of LEAP-powered models in the very near future.”
The two LEAP-powered aircraft assigned to the flight test campaign have now successfully accumulated over 1,000 flight hours in more than 350 flights – including 150 flight hours completed with the same aircraft in an airline-like environment to ensure operational maturity at entry into service. Certification of the remaining aircraft/engine variants with LEAP engines will follow in the coming months. When all flight testing has been completed, the NEO development fleet (with both engine options) will have achieved a combined total of 3,000 flight hours.
CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.
(Image provided with Airbus news release)
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