The EASA A320neo type Certificate was signed by EASA’s certification director Trevor Woods and the FAA A320neo Type Certificate by Jeffrey Duven, FAA manager of Transport Airplane Directorate - Aircraft Certification Service. The Type Certificates were handed over to Airbus’ executive vice president engineering, Charles Champion and Airbus A320neo chief engineer Pierre-Henri Brousse.
The A320neo successfully completed a rigorous program of certification that tested its airframe and systems beyond their design limits to ensure the aircraft successfully met all airworthiness criteria.
The three flight test aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney engines successfully accumulated more than 1,070 flight hours in some 350 flights. Of these 1,070 flight test hours, 300 were completed with the same aircraft in an airline-like environment to ensure operational maturity at entry into service.
“This double seal of approval represents a great achievement for Airbus. It recognizes the hard work performed by all the teams at Airbus and Pratt & Whitney. It demonstrates the A320neo is meeting all requirements,” says Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “The A320neo is now cleared for its first delivery and ready to offer many airlines its winning combination of unbeatable economics and outstanding cabin comfort.”
The A320neo with Pratt & Whitney engines is the first variant in the NEO Family to receive Type Certification. The A320neo with CFM engines will be certified in the coming months, the A321neo and A319neo in both engines variants will follow.
The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15% in fuel savings to start and 20% by 2020 with further cabin innovations. Launched on Dec. 1, 2010, the A320neo offers airlines an engine choice between the Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100G-JM and the CFM International LEAP-1A engines. With more than 4,300 orders received from over 75 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60% share of the market.