Jump to content

Airbus A320neo family

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Alexmcfire (talk | contribs) at 10:08, 25 September 2014. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

A320neo family
A319/A320/A321neo
File:CGI Airbus A320neo.png
CGI representation of the future A320neo
Role Narrow-body jet airliner
National origin Multi-national
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 25 September 2014
Introduction October 2015 (scheduled)
Status In development / early production
Number built 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)).[1] 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.[2][3] 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.[4] A rearranged cabin allows up to 20 more passengers[5] enabling in total over 20% less fuel consumption per seat.[6]

Airbus has firm orders for the A320neo family totaling 2,523 as of November 2013.[7] Orders passed the 3,000 mark during the 2014 Farnborough Airshow in the UK. The first ever A320neo rolled out of the Airbus factory in Toulouse on 1 July 2014.[8] The first flight of the aircraft took place on the 25th of September 2014.[9]

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.[2] 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".[10][11][12]

"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.[2]

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"[13] which were announced on 15 November 2009 by Airbus [14] to A320s (and A320neos) commencing in 2012 with launch customer Air New Zealand.[15] These Airbus winglets, which are 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in) tall and weigh 200 kilograms (440 lb),[16] 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.[17] This corresponds to an annual CO2 reduction of around 700 tonnes per aircraft,[14] saving operators US$220,000 per aircraft per year.[18] The Sharklets are to be manufactured and distributed by Korean Air Aerospace Division.[19]

Enhanced Cabin

A new cabin was fitted, offering better and larger luggage storage[20] 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.[21] Additionally, improved cabin efficiency by a new galley concept, reduced weight, improved ergonomics and food hygiene and recycling requirements.[22] LED ambience lighting is optionally available. Anytime LEDs are used for the Passenger Service Unit (PSU)[23] and the flight crew can control the cabin through new touchscreen displays.[24]

The new "Space-Flex" optional cabin configuration includes a new rear galley configuration and "Smart-Lav" lavatory design; increasing space-efficiency.[25] It allows up to 9 more passengers for the A320neo and - with moved and size increased exit doors ("Cabin-Flex") - up to 20 more passengers for the A321neo without "putting more sardines in the can".[26] Fuel efficiency per seat is increased by 6% with this option, together with the new engines in total exceeding 20%.[6]

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-X and the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G.[27][28][29] 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 950 km (510 nmi), or 2 t (4,400 lb) of extra payload.[30]

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.[27] 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.[31] However, in November 2012 they deferred the deliveries of the A320neo aircraft until 2020, making ILFC the new launch customer along with the A321neo.[32] Airlines' choices between the two engines are almost equal.[33]

The first Airbus A320neo rolled out of the Toulouse factory on 1 July 2014.[34]

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;[35] 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 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.[36] Also, the new materials will reduce the total of parts of the plane, which will decrease the maintenance costs.[35][37]

Delivery advancement

Contrary to most recent airliner developments with partly years of delay (including competitors Bombardier CSeries, Comac C919, Irkut MS-21, postponed development of Boeing Y1/737 MAX), the A320neo delivery was advanced to October 2015 from second quarter 2016.[38] Its first flight was advanced to September 2014.[39] The 95% commonality with the A320 helped eliminating the risks associated with too many modifications in one shot.[40]

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.[41]

Orders

A320neo family firm orders
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total
A319neo 0 26 19 0 0 45[7]
A320neo
+ undisclosed
30 1081 378 387 176 2052[7]
A321neo 0 119 81 341 23 564[7]
Total 30 1226 478 728 199 2661[7]

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.[44][45] Significant orders include 150 aircraft from IndiGo,[46][47] 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.[48] A few months later, Lufthansa became the aircraft's first German customer, ordering 30 examples.[49] On 14 March 2013, the airline ordered 70 additional A320neo and A321neo aircraft.[50] Airbus also received commitments for 83 A320neo aircraft from Air Lease Corporation and AviancaTaca. A month later American Airlines ordered 130 A320neo's on 20 July 2011, which would cause the airline to cease having an all-Boeing fleet. The order placed on 23 June 2011 by the Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia was announced as the largest commercial aviation order at the time.[51] At the 2011 Paris Air Show, the A320neo received a combined total of 667 orders and 83 commitments. The Dubai Airshow in November 2011 saw a further total of 130 orders and 105 commitments by several customers. AirAsia has placed the largest order ever of the A320neo, consisting of 200 aircraft. On 25 January 2012 Norwegian and Airbus confirmed an order of 100 A320neo.[52] Pegasus Airlines, the second largest airline in Turkey, has signed for up to 100 A320neo Family aircraft, of which 75 (57 A320neo and 18 A321neo models) are firm orders.[53] 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.[54]

Specifications

Specifications are preliminary until design is finished.

Airbus A320neo
A319neo A320neo A321neo
Cockpit crew Two
Seating capacity 156 (1-class, maximum)
134 (1-class, typical)
124 (2-class, typical)
189[55][25] (1-class, maximum)
164 (1-class, typical)
150 (2-class, typical)
240[26] (1-class, maximum)
199 (1-class, typical)
185 (2-class, typical)
Seat pitch 28 in (71 cm) – 29 in (74 cm) (1-class, maximum) 28 in (71 cm) – 30 in (76 cm)[26] (1-class, maximum)
Seat width 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 take-off weight (MTOW) 75.5 t (166,000 lb) 79 t (174,000 lb) 93.5 t (206,000 lb)
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
Maximum range, fully loaded 4,200 nmi (7,800 km; 4,800 mi)[56] 3,700 nmi (6,900 km; 4,300 mi)[56] 3,650 nmi (6,760 km; 4,200 mi)[57]
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,[58][59][60][61] Airliners.net, Flightglobal.com, Pratt & Whitney,[62] CFM International.[63]

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ^ "Airbus A320 (A320ceo and A320neo) Aircraft family". Airbus.com. 3 March 2013. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2013. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 3 March 2013 suggested (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b c "Pictures: Airbus aims to thwart Boeing's narrowbody plans with upgraded 'A320 Enhanced'". Flight International. 20 June 2006. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  3. ^ "Avianca takes delivery of Sharklet equipped A320". Airbus.com. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  4. ^ "A320neo family information, Maximum benefit and minimum change". Airbus.com. 1 July 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  5. ^ Flynn, David. "Australian Business Traveller". Retrieved 31 August 2014.
  6. ^ a b Airbus Sees A321neo Exceeding 20% Fuel Burn Improvement AviationWeek
  7. ^ a b c d e "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. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ "PICTURE: Airbus rolls out A320neo". flightglobal.com. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  9. ^ "Airbus sets date for A320neo maiden flight". www.flightglobal.com. Flightglobal.
  10. ^ "Skybus Becomes First North American Operator of Advanced CFM56-5B Tech insertion Engine". Snecma.com. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  11. ^ "IAE launches 'V2500 Select' in bid to cut costs". Flight International. 26 July 2005. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  12. ^ V2500 SelectOne IAE
  13. ^ "Airbus A320 Aircraft family". Airbus.com. 25 June 2011. Archived from the original on 4 July 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ a b "Airbus launches new A320 'Sharklet' wingtips". The Australian. 16 November 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ "Airbus A320 to Get Sharklets Large Wingtip Devices by the End of 2012". Deagel.com. 15 November 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ 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. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ "Airbus to introduce "Sharklets" on the Air New Zealand A320s in end 2012". Bangalore Aviation. 17 November 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Irish, John (15 November 2009). "Airbus says wingtip change to save fuel". Reuters. Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ "Korean Air Aerospace to manufacture and distribute Sharklets". Airbus. 31 May 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Airbus launches new pivoting overhead carry-on stowage bins for A320 Family with order from Delta Air Lines Airbus
  21. ^ On board well-being Airbus.com
  22. ^ "Press releases | Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer". Airbus.com. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  23. ^ Airbus A320 overhead LED lights Youtube video (requires Flash plugin)
  24. ^ Enhanced Fap – Airbus 320 touchscreen display Youtube video (requires Flash plugin)
  25. ^ a b Space-Flex: Innovative cabin option for A320: Cabin configuration adds space for more seats Noticiaslatamsales
  26. ^ a b c Airbus reveals new A321neo layout: New 'Cabin-Flex' and larger doors Australian business traveller
  27. ^ a b "A320 NEO to have $7-8 million price premium". Flightglobal.com. 23 August 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  28. ^ "SINGAPORE 2010: Airbus targets early A320 re-engining decision, 2015 debut". Flightglobal.com. 4 February 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  29. ^ Stearns, Jonathan (1 December 2010). "Airbus to Deploy Superjumbo, Military Engineers for A320 NEO". Bloomberg. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  30. ^ "TAM becomes first A320neo customer in Latin America". Aviation News. 28 February 2011. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ "Press Releases". Virgin America. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  32. ^ a b "Virgin America Cuts Airbus Order, Delays Jets to Survive". Bloomberg. 16 November 2012.
  33. ^ IN FOCUS: How to power A320neo is tough choice for airlines Flightglobal
  34. ^ "Airbus' first A320neo reaches completion". Airbus. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  35. ^ a b "Transaero Airlines firms up order for eight A320neo aircraft". Airbus.com. 5 December 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  36. ^ A320neo 'a response to the market'
  37. ^ "Airbus A320neo information technology". 1 August 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  38. ^ Airbus accelerates A320neo programme Asian Aviation
  39. ^ Cite error: The named reference firstf was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  40. ^ Airbus A320NEO Enters FAL (MSN6101) Theflyingengineer
  41. ^ "Airbus could eventually offer Neo version of A318: Leahy". Flightglobal. 1 December 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  42. ^ "Qatar Airways ends Airbus impasse with $6.5b order". Czechtrade.ae. 20 May 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
  43. ^ a b "ILFC selects 100 A320neo Family aircraft". Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  44. ^ "Airbus wins 211 orders and commitments worth US$20.5 billion". Airbus. 16 November 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  45. ^ "Turkish Airlines places its biggest order ever with Airbus | Airbus News & Events". Airbus.com. 22 March 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  46. ^ Wall, Robert (12 January 2011). "IndiGo Becomes First A320NEO Customer With Huge Order". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 28 January 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  47. ^ Ranson, Lori (11 January 2011). "IndiGo's potential A320neo order heats up engine competition". Flightglobal. Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ "Home | Paris Air show 2011 | Airbus". Event.airbus.com. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  49. ^ 15 March 2013. "Lufthansa purchases 30 A320neo Family aircraft | Airbus Press release". Airbus.com. Retrieved 15 March 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  50. ^ 15 March 2013 (17 January 2013). "Lufthansa Supervisory Board gives go-ahead for major Airbus order | Airbus Press release". Airbus.com. Retrieved 15 March 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  51. ^ [1][dead link]
  52. ^ "Norwegian commits to 100 A320neo aircraft | Airbus News & Events". Airbus.com. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  53. ^ 15 March 2013. "Pegasus selects up to 100 A320neo Family Aircraft | Airbus News & Events". Airbus.com. Retrieved 15 March 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  54. ^ easyJet plc announces fleet plans 18 June 2013
  55. ^ Leahy Interview: Airbus Innovation Days, Part 2: No order bubble and a lot more Leehamnews
  56. ^ a b "A320 Family" (pdf). AIRBUS S.A.S. 4 June 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  57. ^ "Hawaiian signs MOU for 16 A321neos". Flightglobal.com. 7 January 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  58. ^ "Airbus A320neo Technology". Airbus.com. 1 August 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2011.
  59. ^ Airbus A319/A319neo Airport data
  60. ^ Airbus A320/A320neo Airport data Airbus
  61. ^ Airbus A321/A321neo Airport data Airbus
  62. ^ "Pratt & Whitney: Commercial Engines - PurePower PW1000G". Pw.utc.com. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
  63. ^ "CFM LEAP Engine Brochure" (PDF). CFM International. 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2013.