The final variant in the original lineup of re-engined A320 aircraft, the A319neo powered by Pratt and Whitney engines, has performed its maiden flight.
Airbus recently received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency for the A319neo, however it was for the CFM LEAP engine variant.
With two engine options available for each A320neo Family aircraft, Airbus has to conduct two test campaigns per aircraft. Despite this, commonality has sided well with the company, allowing them to conduct a shortened test campaign for the second engine option as it’s primarily fuel systems, performance and and instrumentation that is monitored.
Registered D-AVWA, the aircraft took off from Airbus’ Hamburg facility on the 25th of April for a 2 hour and 45 minute flight under callsign “AIB04WA”.
Airbus aims to have the aircraft certified by the fourth quarter of this year, with a short, but extensive flight test campaign. This particular aircraft was the same used to certify the CFM option, however has had the appropriate software and hardware conversion to test with Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbofan engines.
The following table displays some of the key specifications of the aircraft:
| Range | 6,850km (3,700nm) |
| Typical Seating | 140 (2-class) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 75.50 tonnes |
As a quick note, the aircraft is the final variant of the original A320neo Family lineup, being the A319neo, A320neo and A321neo, before the A321LR and other sub-options were announced.
It’s understood Airbus has begun penciling in orders for a longer range variant dubbed the A321XLR, which like the previous aircraft, will likely have two engine options as well as its rumored weight and fuel modifications.
The A319neo is the smallest member of the A320neo Family, which alone, has raked in over 6500 orders from over 100 customers since its launch in 2010.
