Aneo

The first A321neo from Airbus, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines, has completed its first flight from Hamburg, Germany.

Accompanied by three test flight engineers, the plane was flown by experimental test pilots Martin Scheuermann and Bernardo Saez Benito Hernandez.

During the five hour and 29 minute flight, the engine’s high and low speed variation, systems behaviour and the aircraft’s flight envelope were tested.

Following the flight, the single aisle A321neo expects to join the NEO flight test fleet and undergo a flight test programme to confirm the impact on handling qualities, performance and systems of the aircraft.

"Since its first flight in 2014, the A320neo flight test campaign has completed 1,900 flight hours in more than 640 flights."

The first A321neo is aimed to be delivered at the end of this year.

Said to be the largest member of the A320neo family, the A321neo features new generation engines, Sharklet wing tip devices and a cabin upgrade. The new features and technologies offered with the A321neo expect to provide up to 20% in fuel savings by 2020.

Since its first flight in 2014, the A320neo flight test campaign has completed 1,900 flight hours in more than 640 flights.

In November, Korean Air finalised an order for 30 and South Korea-based Asiana Airlines finalised an order for 25 A321neo aircraft. The contract with Korean Air also includes 20 options for A321neo.

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines expect to deploy the A321neo on regional routes, as well as selected South East Asian destinations and on certain domestic routes.

Image: The first A321neo from Airbus makes its first flight. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.