Story ID: GPa320neoCFM01032017
CFM-powered A321neo Wins EASA, FAA Certification
By: Gregory Polek
Caption: No word on identity of launch operators of either the CFM or Pratt-powered versions of the airplane, however
Word Count: 356
The CFM Leap-1A-powered Airbus A321neo has won joint type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the FAA, the manufacturer announced on March 1.

The approvals follow 400 hours of flight-testing over the course of 160 sorties. The CFM-powered A321 becomes the fourth member of the neo series certified over the past 15 months. Two engine types power the A320neo and A321neo—the CFM Leap-1A and Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan. The Pratt-powered A321neo received joint EASA-FAA certification on December 15 after accumulating 350 test hours on 130 flights.

Airbus has yet to announce the first operator for either version of the A321neo. The Pratt-powered version made its first flight later than the CFM Leap-1A-powered model, which flew for the first time on February 9 last year. Originally planning to fly the PW1100G-powered version first, Airbus switched the flight-test sequence as Pratt worked on a machining problem and software adjustments to address operating restrictions—namely extended start-time intervals—on the smaller A320neo. The first Airbus A321neo powered by Pratt & Whitney engines completed its maiden flight exactly a month later. Despite the switch in first-flight sequence, Airbus still planned to deliver the Pratt-powered A321neo around the new year, just ahead of the Leap-powered version in the first quarter. It has yet to deliver either, however, as the company continues to grapple with “maturity issues” involving the PW1100G.

Separately, Airbus has confirmed that it is cooperating with Indian airworthiness authorities on reliability deficiencies involving the PW1000Gs on A320neos flying with IndiGo and GoAir. The Indian DGCA has begun what it has called detailed examination of 21 of the airplanes now in operation with the two airlines following an emergency landing by a GoAir A320neo in early February.

"We are in close contact with our customers in India and are supporting them in their daily operations, while we put all our efforts into working closely with P&W and the DGCA to identify and provide solutions quickly," said Airbus in a statement.

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