Leap-powered A321neo gains US and European approval

Airbus has gained type certification for the A321neo variant powered by CFM International Leap-1A turbofan engines, the airframer disclosed today.

The joint approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency and US Federal Aviation Administration follows type certification of the same aircraft with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan engines.

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In the amended type certificate issued by EASA, the CFM-powered A321neo variant is listed as the A321-251N. The P&W version is identified by regulators as the A321-271N.

The certificate lists the take-off power of the Leap-1A as 32,160lb-thrust, versus 33,110lb-thrust for the PW1100G variant of the A321neo.

P&W also plans to introduce a 35,000lb-thrust version of the PW1100G for the A321neo in the near future.

The first Leap-powered A321neo is to be delivered later this year, CFM confirms.

In August 2016, the Leap-1A-powered A320neo entered commercial service. Nine airlines have taken delivery of a total of 72 of the engines.

"The Leap-1A entry into service on the A320neo has been incredibly smooth," states CFM chief executive Gael Meheust.