Neo version A320s is a must-have for Mid East fleets says Leahy

As airlines across the region are ordering an increasing number of narrowbodies as part of fleet restructuring, Leahy said that the 'Neo" is essential.

"This aircraft will give double digit fuel savings which for most airlines would equate to more than 3,600 tonnes of fuel per year and it has all the commonality of the 320s already in service. I just ask, why wouldn't you take it?""

The A320neo - Leahy says it should stand for new environmental obligation - will be in service by 2016.  The launch customer for the type is Virgin America whose founder Sir Richard Branson was in Toulouse today to formally announce the order.

“Virgin airlines are known around the world for innovation – for harnessing the best in design, technology and entertainment to reinvent the travel experience,” said Branson. “We’re just as committed to investing in the next generation solutions that will make air travel more sustainable. Climate change cannot be ignored by business, and I believe that we must rise to the challenge of combating it and find new and better ways of operating. The A320neo will help us get there, by lowering costs and reducing our impact on the environment. Virgin America’s existing A320s are now up to 25 percent more fuel and carbon efficient than the average U.S. fleet, and the A320neo promises to improve on the numbers even more.” 

Leahy sees that environmental commitment and  the economic advantage also being vital to the growing number of LCCs operating in the MENA region with narrowbodies.

The A320neo was launched in late 2010 for first deliveries in early 2016. Airlines have the choice between CFM International’s LEAP-X engine and Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G engine. Each variant of the A320neo incorporates Sharklet wing tip devices. In addition to fuel savings, the A320neo will benefit from a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions, reduced engine noise, lower operating costs and up to 500 nautical miles more range or two metric tons more payload. The A319, A320 and A321 models on which the new engine option is offered will have 95 percent airframe commonality with the A320 Family.