Aircraft

The Airbus A320 development aircraft undertook the first test flight powered by International Aero Engines' new V2500 SelectOne engine on 26 February.

According to IAE, the improved engine offers a 1% reduction in fuel consumption as well as 20% longer on-wing time.

Airbus says that the test flights from its Toulouse headquarters will continue for the coming few weeks and will evaluate all aspects of the engine's performance and handling characteristics.

© Airbus

Airframe/engine certification for the A319, A320 and A321 is scheduled to be completed in time for deliveries to start in the third quarter of this year.

The SelectOne tests follow the introduction of CFM International's latest CFM56-5B Tech Insertion engine, which entered service late last year, and nearly 100 A320 family aircraft have now been delivered with the new standard.