Airbus vows to deliver A320neo in 2015

paris/toulouse — Airbus Group’s plane-making division expects to deliver its first A320neo to Qatar Airways in 2015 even after flight trials with the plane have been knocked off schedule by difficulties with an engine.

The manufacturer will deliver to Qatar “for sure” this year, Airbus CEO Fabrice Bregier said. “I confirm that we are still on track and on schedule to certify and begin delivering planes this year,” Bregier said.

The A320neo is on offer to airlines with a choice of two engines, one by United Technologies’s Pratt & Whitney, the other by CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and France’s Safran.

Airbus’ plan calls for the Pratt-powered model to be delivered first. Flight trials with that model have been suspended since May as the engine maker focuses on trouble-shooting a difficulty with a seal.