EASA and FAA certification paves way for the first delivery
Following a comprehensive flight test programme, the A321neo powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G-JM engines received joint Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 15th December 2016.
The documents were respectively signed by EASA’s Certification Director Trevor Woods and by Jeffrey Duven, FAA Manager of the Transport Airplane Directorate – Aircraft Certification Service. Both certificates were handed over to Airbus Executive Vice President Programmes, Didier Evrard, and Airbus Senior Vice President A320 Family Programme, Klaus Roewe.
“The A321neo allows airlines to upsize their fleets while offering a winning combination of unbeatable economics and comfort. The A321 contributes already some 40 per cent to our single aisle deliveries, and further growing,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. ”Today’s certification is a rewarding tribute to all the teams who have been instrumental in making this essential milestone happen.”
The A321neo – the largest member of the A320neo Family – successfully completed a certification programme accumulating over 350 flight hours in more than 130 flights; validating its airframe and systems well beyond their design limits to ensure the aircraft successfully meets all airworthiness criteria. The campaign also confirmed the aircraft is meeting its performance targets in terms of fuel burn and range. Offering significant environmental benefits, including a smaller noise footprint, the aircraft also demonstrated excellent low speed performance capabilities for its operators.
The Pratt & Whitney powered aircraft is the first variant of the A321neo to have received EASA and FAA Type Certification. The A321neo with CFM International LEAP-1A engines will be certified in the coming months.
The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with over 4,800 orders from 89 customers, capturing 60 percent share of the market. Thanks to their wide cabin, all members of the A320neo Family offer an unmatched passenger experience in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.
Press release and picture Airbus
