Airbus A320neo family

A320neo family
A319neo/A320neo/A321neo
A twin-engined jet aircraft with distinctive winglets, in blue and white livery, on the ground
Airbus A320neo after its first flight
Role Narrow-body twin-engine jet airliner
National origin Multi-national
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 25 September 2014
Introduction October 2015 with Qatar Airways (scheduled)
Status Test flights / early production
Number built 3
Unit cost
A319neo: US$97.5 million, approx. €89.9 million (2015)[1]
A320neo: US$106.2 million, approx. €97.9 million (2015)[1]
A321neo: US$124.4 million, approx. €114.7 million (2015)[1]
Developed from Airbus A320 family

The Airbus A320neo family is a family of aircraft under development by Airbus replacing the predecessor A320 family (now A320ceo (current engine option)).[2] The letters "neo" stand for "New Engine Option" and are the last step of the modernisation programme A320 Enhanced (or "A320E") which was started in 2006. In addition to the neo, 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.[3][4] Customers will have a choice of either the CFM International LEAP-1A or the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G.

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 (900 km).[5] A rearranged cabin allows up to 20 more passengers[6] enabling in total over 20% less fuel consumption per seat.[7]

Airbus has firm orders for the A320neo family totaling 3,621 as of January 2015.[8] The first A320neo rolled out of the Airbus factory in Toulouse on 1 July 2014.[9] The first flight of the aircraft took place on 25 September 2014.[10]

Development

Airbus A320 Enhanced (A320E) with Sharklets at ILA 2012

A320 Enhanced

Airbus had been assessing the successor to the A320 family with the option of a completely new aircraft or a re-engined and updated one. In 2006 Airbus started the A320 Enhanced (or "A320E") programme as a series of improvements to the A320 family. The improvements include aerodynamic refinements, such as adding large curved winglets (Sharklets) with 3.5% fuel burn improvements, weight savings, a new cabin, and engine improvements.[3] Although these engine improvements were fitted into the A320 in 2007/2008 with the CFM56 Tech Insertion and the V2500Select (One), they were estimated with improvements of only 1-2%, which finally led to Airbus's decision of going with the new engine option, abbreviated "neo".[11][12][13]

"Who's going to roll over a fleet to a new generation aircraft for 5% better than an A320 today? Especially if another 10% improvement might be coming in the second half of the next decade based on new engine technology," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer and executive member, in 2006.[3]

A320 Enhanced (A320E) and A320neo Sharklet detail at ILA 2012.

Sharklets

The A320 Enhanced as well as the A320neo will also include some modifications to the wing, mainly the installation of blended winglets called "Sharklets"[14] which were announced on 15 November 2009 by Airbus[15] to A320s (and A320neos) commencing in 2012 with launch customer Air New Zealand.[16] These Airbus winglets, which are 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in) tall and weigh 200 kilograms (440 lb),[17] would reduce fuel burn by 3.5% and offer increases in payload of 500 kilograms (1,100 lb), or range by 100 nautical miles (190 km) at the original payload.[18] This corresponds to an annual CO2 reduction of around 700 tonnes per aircraft,[15] saving operators US$220,000 per aircraft per year.[19] The Sharklets are to be manufactured and distributed by Korean Air Aerospace Division.[20]

Enhanced Cabin

A new cabin was fitted, offering better and larger luggage storage[21] and a quieter cabin, packaged with a more modern look and feel. A new air purification system with filters and a catalytic converter removes toxic fumes and unpleasant smells from the air before it is pumped into the cabin.[22] Additionally, improved cabin efficiency by a new galley concept, reduced weight, improved ergonomics and food hygiene and recycling requirements.[23] LED ambience lighting is optionally available. Anytime LEDs are used for the Passenger Service Unit (PSU)[24] and the flight crew can control the cabin through new touchscreen displays.[25]

The new "Space-Flex" optional cabin configuration increases space-efficiency by a new rear galley configuration and a "Smart-Lav" modular lavatory design – allowing an in-flight change of two lavatories into one accessible toilet.[26][27] It allows up to 9 more passengers for the A320neo and – with larger, relocated exit doors ("Cabin-Flex") – up to 20 more passengers for the A321neo without "putting more sardines in the can".[28] The moved and enlarged exit doors are estimated to add 100kg empty weight.[29] Fuel efficiency per seat is increased by 6% with this option, together with the new engines and the sharklets in total exceeding 20%.[7]

A320neo: New Engine Option

On 1 December 2010, Airbus officially launched its successor to the A320 Enhanced, the A320neo "New Engine Option". The choice for new engines include the CFM International LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G.[30][31][32] Though the new engines will burn 16% less fuel, the actual fuel gain on an A320 installation will be slightly less, since 1–2% is typically lost upon installation on an existing aircraft. Overall this means an additional range of 510 nmi (950 km), or 2 t (4,400 lb) of extra payload.[33]

Airbus' CEO was said to be "comfortable" with the projections of 15% lower maintenance cost for the Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G family, compared with today's engines.[30] Airbus is targeting October 2015 for the first delivery and plans to deliver 4,000 A320neo over 15 years. Airlines' choices between the two engines are almost equal.[34]

The first Airbus A320neo rolled out of the Toulouse factory on 1 July 2014.[35] The Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM geared turbofan engine was Federal Aviation Administration certified on December 19, 2014.[36]

Design

Virgin America Airbus A320 Enhanced economy class Cabin with light-emitting diode (LED) lighting

Airbus states that the A320neo Family incorporates latest-generation engines and large "Sharklet" wingtip devices, which together will deliver a total of 15 percent in fuel savings;[37] this includes the use of "Sharklet" winglets which are able to decrease the fuel consumption by 3.5% to 4% due to the decrease of wingtip vortices and aerodynamic drag.

The A320neo has over 95% airframe commonality with the current A320 with 91% commonality in tooling; the airframe is made with new materials such as composite materials and more aluminium alloys , which helps save weight and thus fuel consumption. Also, the new materials will reduce the total of parts of the plane, which will decrease the maintenance costs.[37][38]

Delivery advancement

Contrary to most recent airliner developments with years of delay (including competitors Bombardier CSeries, Comac C919, Irkut MS-21, or postponed development of Boeing Y1/737 MAX), the A320neo delivery was advanced to October 2015 from second quarter 2016.[39] Its first flight was advanced to September 2014.[40] 95% commonality with the A320 helped to reduce delays associated with large changes.[41]

Variants

Airbus has decided to offer three advanced variants of the A320 family with the "New Engine Option." The A319, A320 and A321 will all be developed further while the A318 is not expected to be offered as a "neo," although that may change in the future.[42]

A321LR

The A321neo weight variant with increased MTOW of 97 tons – often called A321LR or sometimes A321neoLR (LR = long-range) – transports 206 passengers in a 2-class layout with increased range to 4,000 nmi (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) by using three additional 2,990 L (790 US gal) fuel tanks.[47][48] An extended 2-class layout including a premium economy class with 164 passengers allows a range of up to 4,100 nmi (7,600 km; 4,700 mi).[49][29] Historically this is the second MTOW increase after the initial A321-100 with 83 tons, which was quickly replaced by the -200 with 93.5 tons. In October 2014 Airbus started to offer it also as a replacement of the aging Boeing 757-200, also the latest variant with winglets, sometimes called 757-200W. Compared to the 757-200W, Airbus predicts an A321LR gives overall 25-30% lower operating cost depending on the number of seats[50][51] on routes where a widebody would be uneconomical. Boeing is not working on a response to the A321LR in form of a new "757MAX", a modification of the 737MAX-9 or the 787-3.[52][53][54]

Orders

A320neo family firm orders
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
A319neo 0 26 19 0 2 0 47[8]
A320neo
+ undisclosed		 30 1081 378 387 824 28 2847[8]
A321neo 0 119 81 341 183 45 800[8]
Total 30 1226 478 728 1011 73 3694[8]

Since its launch in December 2010 the A320neo has received "above 2,000 NEO orders in a little over two years after launch" making it the fastest selling commercial aircraft in history.[55][56] Virgin America became the launch customer with a firm order of 30 A320neo aircraft as a part of a 60 aircraft order on 17 January 2011.[57] However, in November 2012 they deferred the deliveries of the A320neo aircraft until 2020, making ILFC the new launch customer along with the A321neo.[58] Significant orders include 150 aircraft from IndiGo,[59][60] 200 from AirAsia, 130 from American Airlines and 174 from Lion Air. The A320neo is planned to enter service in October 2015 with ILFC, 27 years after the first A320 was delivered. This will be followed by the shrunk A319neo and later by the stretched A321neo.

At the Paris Air Show 2011, Airbus announced that they had orders from GECAS, Scandinavian Airlines, TransAsia Airways, IndiGo, LAN Airlines, AirAsia and GoAir.[61] Airbus also received commitments for 83 A320neo aircraft from Air Lease Corporation and Avianca. In total, the 2011 Paris Air Show endowed the A320neo with a combined 667 orders and 83 commitments, including 200 aircraft for Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia, which was hailed as the largest-ever deal in Airbus history.[62] A month later, American Airlines ordered 130 A320neo's, which would cause the airline to cease having an all-Boeing fleet, and Lufthansa became the aircraft's first German customer, ordering 30 examples.[63] The Dubai Airshow in November 2011 saw a further total of 130 orders and 105 commitments by several customers. On 25 January 2012 Norwegian and Airbus confirmed an order of 100 A320neo.[64] In December 2012 Pegasus Airlines, the second largest airline in Turkey, signed a deal for up to 100 A320neo family aircraft, of which 75 (57 A320neo and 18 A321neo models) are firm orders.[65] Lufthansa ordered an additional 70 A320neo and A321neo aircraft in March 2013.[66] easyJet, who already operates 195 A320ceo family aircraft, announced on 18 June 2013 an intention to acquire 100 Airbus A320neo for delivery between 2017 and 2022. As part of the deal, easyJet have options on a further 100 A320neo aircraft.[67] On 15 October 2014 IndiGo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of 250 A320neo family aircraft. The deal would be worth over $25.5 billion or Rs 1.55 lakh crore, as per the list price per aircraft. This order will also be the largest by the airline, marking the largest number of jets ever sold by the European planemaker in a single order. The airline had earlier ordered 100 aircraft in 2005 and another 180 aircraft in 2011.[68]

Specifications

Specifications are preliminary until design is finished.

Airbus A320neo
A319neo A320neo A321neo
Cockpit crew Two
Seating capacity 160[69] (1-class, maximum) 195[70] (Certification)
189[26][71] (1-class, maximum)		 240[28] (1-class, maximum)
206 (2-class, A321LR)[29]
Seat pitch 28 in (71 cm) – 29 in (74 cm) (1-class, maximum) 28 in (71 cm) – 30 in (76 cm)[28] (1-class, maximum)
36 in (91 cm) & 30 in (76 cm) (2-class, A321LR)
Seat width Economy with 6 abreast: 18 in (46 cm)
Cruising speed Mach 0.78 (828 km/h/511 mph at 11,000 m/36,000 ft)
Maximum speed Mach 0.82 (871 km/h/537 mph at 11,000 m/36,000 ft)
Maximum Zero-fuel weight (MZFW) 60.3 t (133,000 lb) 64.3 t (142,000 lb) 75.6 t (167,000 lb)
Maximum landing weight (MLW) 63.9 t (141,000 lb) 67.4 t (149,000 lb) 79.2 t (175,000 lb)
Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) 75.5 t (166,000 lb) 79 t (174,000 lb) 93.5 t (206,000 lb)
A321LR: 97 t (214,000 lb)[72]
Maximum fuel capacity 23,859 L (5,248 imp gal; 6,303 US gal) standard
29,659 L (6,524 imp gal; 7,835 US gal) optional		 23,859 L (5,248 imp gal; 6,303 US gal) standard
29,659 L (6,524 imp gal; 7,835 US gal) optional		 23,700 L (5,200 imp gal; 6,300 US gal) standard
29,684 L (6,530 imp gal; 7,842 US gal) optional
32,676 L (7,188 imp gal; 8,632 US gal) A321LR
Maximum range, fully loaded 4,200 nmi (7,800 km; 4,800 mi)[73] 3,700 nmi (6,900 km; 4,300 mi)[73] 3,650 nmi (6,760 km; 4,200 mi)[74]
A321LR:4,000 nmi (7,400 km; 4,600 mi)[48]
Engines (×2) CFM International LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1100G
Fan diameter PW: 81 in (2.06 m), LEAP-1A: 78 in (1.98 m)
Thrust PW: 24,000–35,000 lbf (110–160 kN), LEAP-1A: 24,500–32,900 lbf (109–146 kN)

Source: Airbus,[75][76][77][78] Airliners.net, Flightglobal.com, Pratt & Whitney,[79] CFM International.[80]

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "New Airbus aircraft list prices for 2015". airbus.com. Airbus. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  2. ↑ "Airbus A320 (A320ceo and A320neo) Aircraft family". Airbus.com. 3 March 2013. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Pictures: Airbus aims to thwart Boeing’s narrowbody plans with upgraded 'A320 Enhanced'". Flight International. 2006-06-20. Retrieved 2013-07-08.
  4. ↑ "Avianca takes delivery of Sharklet equipped A320". Airbus.com. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  5. ↑ "A320neo family information, Maximum benefit and minimum change". Airbus.com. 2011-07-01. Retrieved 2011-12-30.
  6. ↑ Flynn, David. "Australian Business Traveller". Retrieved 31 August 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Airbus Sees A321neo Exceeding 20% Fuel Burn Improvement AviationWeek
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "Airbus A320 neo Family Firm Orders". Press center - Key documents. Airbus S.A.S. 30 November 2013. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  9. ↑ "PICTURE: Airbus rolls out A320neo". flightglobal.com. 2014-07-01. Retrieved 2014-07-02.
  10. ↑ "A320neo makes maiden flight". www.flightglobal.com. Flightglobal. 25 September 2014.
  11. ↑ "Skybus Becomes First North American Operator of Advanced CFM56-5B Tech insertion Engine". Snecma.com. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  12. ↑ "IAE launches ‘V2500 Select’ in bid to cut costs". Flight International. 26 July 2005. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  13. ↑ V2500 SelectOne IAE
  14. ↑ "Airbus A320 Aircraft family". Airbus.com. 25 June 2011. Archived from the original on 4 July 2011. Retrieved 2011-06-26.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Airbus launches new A320 'Sharklet' wingtips". The Australian. 16 November 2009. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  16. ↑ "Airbus A320 to Get Sharklets Large Wingtip Devices by the End of 2012". Deagel.com. 15 November 2009. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  17. ↑ Kingsley-Jones, Max (15 November 2009). "Dubai 09: A320’s sharklets to deliver 3.5% lower fuel burn from 2012". Flight International. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  18. ↑ "Airbus to introduce "Sharklets" on the Air New Zealand A320s in end 2012". Bangalore Aviation. 17 November 2009. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  19. ↑ Irish, John (15 November 2009). "Airbus says wingtip change to save fuel". Reuters. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  20. ↑ "Korean Air Aerospace to manufacture and distribute Sharklets". Airbus. 31 May 2010. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  21. ↑ Airbus launches new pivoting overhead carry-on stowage bins for A320 Family with order from Delta Air Lines Airbus
  22. ↑ On board well-being Airbus.com
  23. ↑ "Press releases | Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer". Airbus.com. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  24. ↑ Airbus A320 overhead LED lights Youtube video (requires Flash plugin)
  25. ↑ Enhanced Fap – Airbus 320 touchscreen display Youtube video (requires Flash plugin)
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Space-Flex: Innovative cabin option for A320: Cabin configuration adds space for more seats Noticiaslatamsales
  27. ↑ Smart-Lav: Another cabin development for the A320 Family: New optimized lavatory design allows more cabin space
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Airbus reveals new A321neo layout: New 'Cabin-Flex' and larger doors Australian business traveller
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 Airbus Launches Long-Range A321neo Version Aviation Daily
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "A320 NEO to have $7-8 million price premium". Flightglobal.com. 2010-08-23. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  31. ↑ "SINGAPORE 2010: Airbus targets early A320 re-engining decision, 2015 debut". Flightglobal.com. 2010-02-04. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  32. ↑ Stearns, Jonathan (2010-12-01). "Airbus to Deploy Superjumbo, Military Engineers for A320 NEO". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  33. ↑ "TAM becomes first A320neo customer in Latin America". Aviation News. 2011-02-28. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 2011-06-26.
  34. ↑ IN FOCUS: How to power A320neo is tough choice for airlines Flightglobal
  35. ↑ "Airbus’ first A320neo reaches completion". Airbus. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  36. ↑ Pratt & Whitney (19 December 2014). "FAA Certifies PurePower® Engine for A320neo Aircraft". prnewswire.com. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 "Transaero Airlines firms up order for eight A320neo aircraft". Airbus.com. 2011-12-05. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  38. ↑ "Airbus A320neo information technology". 2011-08-01. Retrieved 2011-12-30.
  39. ↑ Airbus accelerates A320neo programme Asian Aviation
  40. ↑ Airbus’ first A320neo reaches completion Airbus
  41. ↑ Airbus A320NEO Enters FAL (MSN6101) Theflyingengineer
  42. ↑ "Airbus could eventually offer Neo version of A318: Leahy". Flightglobal. 1 December 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  43. ↑ "Qatar Airways ends Airbus impasse with $6.5b order". Czechtrade.ae. 2012-05-20. Retrieved 2012-11-05.
  44. ↑ http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/31556-qatar-airways-confirmed-as-a320neo-launch-customer
  45. ↑ "ILFC selects 100 A320neo Family aircraft". Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  46. ↑ "Airbus Launches Long-Range A321neo". Aviation International News. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  47. ↑ Exclusive: Airbus launches “A321neoLR” long range to replace 757-200W Leeham
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 Reed Business Information Limited. "Airbus offers 200-plus seats in long-range A321neo". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  49. ↑ Analyst results: Part 2: Boeing 757: Airbus A321neoLR as a replacement on long and thin routes Leeham
  50. ↑ Airbus Studies New Extended-Range A321neo Variant AINonline
  51. ↑ Airbus Launches Long-Range A321neo AINonline
  52. ↑ Boeing Sees No Business Case For 757 MAX Aviation Week
  53. ↑ Exclusive: Boeing says it has no plans for long-range 737 MAX Today
  54. ↑ Odds and Ends: No Boeing response to A321neoLR Leehamnews
  55. ↑ "Airbus wins 211 orders and commitments worth US$20.5 billion". Airbus. 2011-11-16. Retrieved 2011-12-31.
  56. ↑ "Turkish Airlines places its biggest order ever with Airbus | Airbus News & Events". Airbus.com. 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  57. ↑ "Press Releases". Virgin America. 2011-01-17. Retrieved 2013-03-15.
  58. ↑ "Virgin America Cuts Airbus Order, Delays Jets to Survive". Bloomberg. 16 November 2012.
  59. ↑ Wall, Robert (12 January 2011). "IndiGo Becomes First A320NEO Customer With Huge Order". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 2012-01-28. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  60. ↑ Ranson, Lori (11 January 2011). "IndiGo’s potential A320neo order heats up engine competition". Flightglobal. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  61. ↑ "Home | Paris Air show 2011 | Airbus". Event.airbus.com. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  62. ↑ "Airbus Wins Record $18 Billion AirAsia Deal for 200 Neo Jets". Bloomberg. 2011-06-23. Retrieved 2014-11-15.
  63. ↑ 15 March 2013 (2011-07-27). "Lufthansa purchases 30 A320neo Family aircraft | Airbus Press release". Airbus.com. Retrieved 2013-03-15.
  64. ↑ "Norwegian commits to 100 A320neo aircraft | Airbus News & Events". Airbus.com. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  65. ↑ "Pegasus selects up to 100 A320neo Family Aircraft | Airbus News & Events". Airbus.com. 2012-12-18. Retrieved 2013-03-15.
  66. ↑ "Lufthansa Supervisory Board gives go-ahead for major Airbus order | Airbus Press release". Airbus.com. 2013-03-14. Retrieved 2013-03-15.
  67. ↑ "easyJet Media Centre". easyjet.com. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  68. ↑ "Record Indigo jet order fails to stem Airbus share slide". Reuters India. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  69. ↑ Airbus Says A320neo First Flight Will Be Sept. 25 Aviationweek
  70. ↑ Meet the “A320neo MAX 195″ Leeham
  71. ↑ Leahy Interview: Airbus Innovation Days, Part 2: No order bubble and a lot more Leehamnews
  72. ↑ American ‘evaluating’ proposed long-range A321neo Flightglobal
  73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 "A320 Family" (PDF). AIRBUS S.A.S. 2012-06-04. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  74. ↑ "Hawaiian signs MOU for 16 A321neos". Flightglobal.com. 2013-01-07. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  75. ↑ "Airbus A320neo Technology". Airbus.com. 2011-08-01. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  76. ↑ Airbus A319/A319neo Airport data
  77. ↑ Airbus A320/A320neo Airport data Airbus
  78. ↑ Airbus A321/A321neo Airport data Airbus
  79. ↑ "Pratt & Whitney: Commercial Engines - PurePower PW1000G". Pw.utc.com. Retrieved 2012-01-14.
  80. ↑ "CFM LEAP Engine Brochure" (PDF). CFM International. 2013. Retrieved 2013-11-10.

External links

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