A320neo Family
A320neo Family
A320neo Family
Desarrollo
In 2006 Airbus started the A320 Enhanced (A320E) programme as a series of improvements
targeting a 4–5% efficiency gain with large winglets (2%), aerodynamic refinements (1%), weight
savings and a new aircraft cabin. At the time Airbus' Sales Chief John Leahy said "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".[5]
Airbus launched the sharklet blended wingtip device during the November 2009 Dubai Airshow.
The installation adds 200 kilograms (440 lb) but offers a 3.5% fuel burn reduction on flights over
2,800 km (1,500 nmi). Compared to the re-engine improvement of 15%, an all-new single-aisle
would have brought only 3% more gain while high volume manufacturing in carbon fibre could be
much more expensive.[7]
At the February 2010 Singapore Air Show, Airbus said its decision to launch was scheduled for the
July 2010 Farnborough Air Show.[8] The decision had still not been taken by August, but the engine
choice included the CFM International LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G, with 20%
lower maintenance cost than current A320 engines. The new engines burn 16% less fuel, though
the actual gain is slightly less as 1–2% is typically lost when installed on an existing aircraft.[9]
On 1 December 2010, Airbus launched the A320neo "New Engine Option" with 500 nmi (930 km)
more range or 2 t (4,400 lb) more payload, and planned to deliver 4,000 over 15 years.
[10]
Development costs were predicted to be "slightly more than €1 billion [$1.3 billion]". The neo
list price would be $6 million more than the ceo, including $3.5 million for airframe modifications
and around $0.9 million for the sharklets. The A320neo was slated for service entry in spring 2016,
the A321neo six months later and the A319neo six months after that.[11]
The 2010 order for 40 Bombardier CS300s (now known as Airbus 220-300) and 40 options
from Republic Airways Holdings – then owner of exclusive A319/320 operator Frontier Airlines –
pushed Airbus into the re-engine. Airbus COO-customers John Leahy decided against ignoring the
CSeries and allowing it to grow, as Boeing had previously done with Airbus, and instead
aggressively competed against Bombardier Aerospace.[12]
Introduction was then advanced to October 2015.[13] Airbus claims a 15% fuel saving and "over 95
percent airframe commonality with the current A320".[14] Its commonality helped to reduce delays
associated with large changes.[15] In March 2013, airlines' choices between the two engines were
almost equal.[16]
The new "Space-Flex" optional cabin configuration increases space-efficiency with a new
rear galley configuration and a "Smart-Lav" modular lavatory design – allowing an in-flight change
of two lavatories into one accessible toilet.[17] The rearranged cabin allows up to 20 more
passengers for the A321neo without "putting more sardines in the can" with the larger "Cabin-
Flex" modified exits described below.[18] Total fuel consumption per seat is reduced by over 20%,
while the rearranged cabin allows up to nine more passengers for the A320neo.[19]
The first Airbus A320neo rolled out of the Toulouse factory on 1 July 2014 and first flight was
scheduled for September 2014.[20]