Introduction To The Enhanced A320 Family

This blog is about the enhanced version of the Airbus A320 Aircraft.

A320neo is the modified A320 aircraft. A320neo is a series of airliners which was developed since December 2010 by one of the well-known aircraft manufacturers, Airbus. Neo stands for new engine option. These aircraft are designed with new engines, enhanced cabin, large curved winglets and aerodynamic refinements. More aluminum alloys and composites are used in the manufacturing stage, helping in lowering the weight and maintenance cost.

The innovations in the A320neo result in 15% lower fuel consumption per aircraft, 8% less operating cost, decreased noise production, increase in range by 500 nautical miles / 900 km, 10% less nitrogen oxide emission compared to A320, enhanced cabin which allows 20 more passenger seats, and 20 % lower fuel consumption per seat.

Sharklets:

The sharklets in A320neo are 2.4 meter in height and they weigh 200 kilograms which succor in reducing fuel burn by 3.5 %. These sharklets cause increase of payload by 500 kilograms and increase of range by 100 nautical miles at the original payload. These sharklets helps in reducing 700 tons of Co2 per aircraft which saves US$220,000 per aircraft every year. These sharklets are produced and distributed by the Korean Air Aerospace Division.

Enhanced cabin:

The A320neo’s cabin offer better luggage storage. The look of the new cabin is more modernized and it includes LED lighting used for the passenger service unit. The cabin is installed with new touchscreen displays which will be easy for the crew’s use. Engineers were successful in designing a new purification system with filters and a catalytic converter which will aid in removing toxic fumes and unpleasant smells from the air before it diffuses into the cabin. The new ‘Space Flex’ design in the cabin increases the space efficiency as the lavatories are now shifted to the rear of the aircraft. These lavatories are spacious and can be used by disabled people. The ‘Space Flex’ design allows 9 more passenger seats with large exit doors. The cabin’s new design results in 6 % increased fuel efficiency per seat.

New engine option:

The new engine options include CFM International LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G. The new engines will burn 16% less fuel but the actual efficiency will be slightly lower as 1-2% will be typically lost while being installed on an existing aircraft. The range will be increased by 510 NMI and there will be extra payload of 4400 lb. The choice between the two engines is virtually equal.

A320neo is one of the most demanded aircraft nowadays due to its extraordinary features. This aircraft is so much economical compared to A320. Looking forward, I’m hopeful that we’ll get to see more impressive aircraft from Airbus in the future.

(Sources used: Airbus.com; FlightGlobal.com)

Featured Image Credit: (Airbus.com Photo)