Airbus brings forward A320neo’s entry-into-service to 2015

Airbus said it is bringing forward the A320neo's entry-into-service from 2016 to October 2015, and will begin the programme's industrial development phase "in earnest." It also confirmed that Pratt & Whitney's PW1100G will serve as the "lead development engine."

CFM International's Leap-X engine is also an option on the programme.

The rationale for opting for Pratt & Whitney as the lead engine may be derived from the fact that all three engine selections made to date for A320neo orders have been won by Pratt's geared turbofan power plant.

So far, Airbus has bagged more than 300 orders and options for the re-engined, narrow-body A320neo.

"The exceptional market demand for the A320neo family as airlines recognize the operational, economic and environmental advantages ... has encouraged us to advance the entry into service date," Airbus COO, customers, John Leahy said in a statement. "Together with our engine partners, Pratt & Whitney and CFMI, we're making every possible effort to bring the first A320neo aircraft into service for our customers as quickly as possible."