Airbus has started final assembly of the first A320neo in Toulouse, France, and says the airplane is on schedule for its first flight in the fourth quarter of this year and first deliveries by the end of 2015. The new jet comes with new-generation engines and large winglets, which Airbus says will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings and more than two tons of additional payload. More than 50 customers have ordered more than 2,600 airplanes since the launch in 2010, Airbus said.
The 320neo is competing with Boeing’s 737MAX. The competition led to a price war, with both competitors knocking up to 15 percent off their list price. Airbus said this week it is ahead, with its orders representing 60 percent of the market.
