Start of manufacturing of the first A320neo with machining of the engine pylon.
Start of manufacturing of the first A320neo with machining of the engine pylon.

Airbus starts production of the A320neo Family

March 17, 2014 1 Comment 568 Views

European airframer Airbus has marked the start of manufacturing of the much awaited A320neo by performing the first ‘cutting of metal’, machining the first engine pylon component at the “Saint-Eloi” factory in Toulouse, France.

The A320neo (new engine option) is slated to enter into service (EIS) from late 2015. Its key feature are the new generation CFM LEAP and Pratt & Whittney PurePower GTF engines, along with the Sharklet wing-tip devices. Airbus is promoting these devices to collectively deliver fuel savings of up to 15%.

CGI of Airbus A320neo with Pratt&Whittney GTF engine.
CGI of Airbus A320neo with Pratt & Whittney GTF engine.

Pylons are the triangular shaped structures which hold the engine to the wing. The new pylon uses more titanium, advanced architectures developed for the A380 superjumbo, and features an ‘aft-pylon-fairing’ for the more fuel efficient that will power the new models.

Tom Williams, Executive Vice President of Programmes at Airbus explained the significance of this step as marking “the completion of the design phase and start of production”.

The neo has over 1,400 firm orders since its launch in 2010, including 150 from IndiGo and 72 from GoAir in India.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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