Airbus A320neo Family
|
Role
|
Narrow-body jet airliner
|
|
National origin
|
Multi-national
|
|
Manufacturer
|
Airbus
|
|
First Flight
|
February 22, 1987
|
|
Introduction
|
2015 (scheduled) with Virgin America
|
|
Status
|
In development
|
|
Unit Cost
|
A319neo: approx. US$88.8 million
A320neo: approx. US$96.7 million
A321neo: approx. US$113.3 million
|
|
Developed from
|
Airbus A320 Family
|
The Airbus A320neo is a series of enhanced versions of A320 family under development by Airbus. The letters "neo" stand for "New Engine Option". The main change is the use of the larger and more efficient engines which results in 15% less fuel consumption, 8% lower operating costs, less noise production and a reduction of NOx by at least 10% compared to the A320 series according to Airbus. Customers will have a choice of either the CFM International LEAP-X or the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G. The airframe will also receive some modifications, including the addition of "Sharklet" wingtips to reduce drag and interior modifications for the passengers comfort such as larger luggage spaces and an improved air purification system.
Development
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. Early on in the process, Airbus indicated the likelihood for a re-engined variant, as opposed to a new aircraft with a sooner entry into service date being part of the reason.
On 1 December 2010, Airbus officially launched its successor to the A320, the A320neo "New Engine Option." The choice for new engines include the CFM International LEAP-Xand the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G. 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. This means an additional range of 950 km (510 nmi), or 2 t (4,400 lb) of extra payload. The A320neo will also include some modifications to the wing, mainly the installation of blended winglets called "Sharklets" which were announced on 15 November 2009 by Airbus to A320s (and A320neos) commencing in 2012 with launch customer Air New Zealand. These Airbus winglets, which are 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in) tall and weigh 200 kilograms (440 lb), 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. This corresponds to an annual CO2 reduction of around 700 tonnes per aircraft, saving operators US$220,000 per aircraft per year. The Sharklets are to be manufactured and distributed by Korean Air Aerospace Division.
Airbus' CEO was said to be "comfortable" with the projections of 20% lower maintenance cost for the Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G family, compared with today's engines. Airbus is targeting October 2015 for the first delivery and plans to deliver 4,000 A320neo over 15 years. 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.
Design
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, 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 drag.
The A320neo has over 95% airframe commonality with the current A320, the airframe is made with new materials such as composite materials and more aluminium alloys, this helps save weight and thus fuel consumption. Also the new materials will reduce the total of parts of the plane which will decrease the maintainence costs.
Airbus claims it offers better luggage storage and a quieter cabin, packaged with a more modern look and feel. Additionally, improved cabin efficiency by a new galley concept, reduced weight, improved ergonomics and food hygiene and recycling requirements. LED ambience lighting is optionally available. Anytime LEDs are used for the Passenger Service Unit (PSU) and passengers can get information with touchscreen displays.
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.
- A319neo: Qatar Airways is most likely the launch customer as they are the first customer to order the variant.
- A320neo: Virgin America is the launch customer.
- A321neo: ILFC is the launch customer.
