10,000th Order

Airbus gets first order for A320neo

With a firm contract from Virgin America for 60 A320s, Airbus has announced its 10,000th order including 30 A320neo aircraft. This is the first firm order for the A320 new engine option; therefore, Virgin America becomes the launch customer for the A320neo.

The 30 A320s will feature fuel-saving large wing tip devices called Sharklets. Virgin America has not yet announced its engine choice on the newly ordered A320s or the A320neo. Seating configuration on the aircraft will be the same as its existing A320 fleet (146-149 seats) in a two-class configuration.

The A320neo responds to heightened customer environmental interest, offering a 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. The option was launched in late 2010 for first deliveries in early 2016. 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 tonnes more payload. The A319, A320 and A321 models on which the new engine option is offered will have 95 per cent airframe commonality with the A320 Family and thus the A320neo will fit seamlessly into the existing Virgin America fleet.