Airbus

Airbus has received type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its A320neo jet powered by Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100G-JM engines.

The certification will allow the company to deliver the single aisle jet. The French aircraft manufacturer launched the A320neo family in 2010 to offer low operating costs and fuel-efficient aircraft.

A320neo equipped with Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100G-JM engine is the first in the family to receive certification.

Other variants of the neo aircraft such as A319neo and A321neo feature a CFM International LEAP-1A engine.

The CFM engine-powered A320neo and other variants in the neo family are expected to receive certification in the next few months.

Airbus president Fabrice Brégier said: "This double seal of approval represents a great achievement for Airbus.

"This double seal of approval represents a great achievement for Airbus."

"It recognises the hard work performed by all the teams at Airbus and Pratt & Whitney.

"It demonstrates the A320neo is meeting all requirements.

"The A320neo is now cleared for its first delivery and ready to offer many airlines its winning combination of unbeatable economics and outstanding cabin comfort."

Following regulatory approval, Airbus is expecting to deliver A320neo to Qatar Airways next month.

In 2014, the A320neo powered by the Pratt & Whitney engine began its first flight. It completed the flight test and certification programme after passing three flight tests and flying more than 1,070 flight hours in 350 flights.

The A320neo family jet uses Sharklet wing tip devices and claims to offer 15% reduction in fuel burn, which can increase to 20% by 2020 with additional cabin innovations.

Image: A320neo receives certification from the EASA and FAA. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.