First A321neo takes to the skies on maiden flight

The aircraft was flown by experimental test pilots for five hours and 29 minutes, during which tests were performed on the engine speed variation (low/high), systems behaviour and to validate the aircraft’s flight envelope, Airbus said in a press release. The A321neo incorporates many innovations including latest generation engines, Sharklet wing tip devices and cabin improvements, which together will deliver up to 20 percent in fuel savings by 2020, according to Airbus. Following more tests in the air and on the ground, the first A321neo is expected to be delivered to launch customer ALC, a US-based aircraft leasing company, by the end of 2016.

First A321neo taking off from Hamburg Airbus has also announced that it has started final assembly of the first A350-1000, the largest member of A350 XWB family, at its factory in Toulouse, France. The first A350-1000 will take to the skies for its maiden flight before the end of 2016, with deliveries starting in mid-2017.

First A350-1000 in Toulouse