Airbus’s A320neo program has achieved a major milestone following the assembly of the first Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1100G-JM engine. The engine, which uses an advanced gear system that allows the engine’s fan to operate at different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine, will soon enter testing at P&W’s test facility in Florida.
The A320neo, with already 1500 firm orders from 30 customers, aims to deliver fuel savings of 15 per cent and additional range of 500 nautical miles when it enters service in 2015.