ANA

Japanese airline ANA Holdings (ANA) has confirmed its order with Airbus for 30 A320neo family aircraft, following an agreement in March.

The order includes seven A320neo aircrafts and 23 A321neo aircrafts, which will replace the carrier’s existing single-aisle fleet as part of its fleet development and modernisation strategy.

ANA will now become the first A320neo operator in Japan, Airbus said.

ANA president and CEO Shinichiro Ito said: "The aircraft we have selected will enable us to modernize and expand our fleet further as we seek to become one of the world’s leading airline groups.

"In addition to ANA taking full benefit from the A320neo’s efficiency and reliability, the deal also accelerates Airbus’s expansion in Japan – one of our main ambitions for the next decade."

"These new aircraft will give us maximum flexibility and improved fuel efficiency and will allow us to meet the growth in demand, both internationally and in our domestic Japanese market."

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said: "In addition to ANA taking full benefit from the A320neo’s efficiency and reliability, the deal also accelerates Airbus’s expansion in Japan – one of our main ambitions for the next decade."

ANA’s A320neo family aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines. Delivery is scheduled to commence in 2016.

Airbus said it has completed the assembly of the first A320neo following the painting of the aircraft and the mounting of its PW1100G-JM engines.

The company plans to begin ground tests in preparation for the first flight soon.

The A320neo flight test campaign will start in the third quarter of this year with plans to put the aircraft into service in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Image: ANA’s new A320neo family aircraft will replace the carrier’s existing single-aisle fleet in coming years. Photo: courtesy of Fixion / Airbus S.A.S.

Defence Technology