Airbus to announce re-engine decision by end of year

A decision on replacing the engines on the A320 family of aircraft is likely to be made at the end of this year, according  to Airbus chief commercial officer, John Leahy.

The announcement is a delay on the previously expected mid-year decision by Airbus following inconclusive discussions with engine manufacturers, Pratt & Whitney and CFM International.

Speaking at an event at the group’s Broughton plant, Leahy said that a re-engining option by 2025 remained attractive but would have to fit in with the group’s overall engineering strategy.

‘If you want to rush out and build a airplane based on today’s engines, you could but why would you- it’ll cost $10 to $12bn…there is still a case to be made on behalf of the re-engined plane.’

Airlines are in favour of the re-engining option, costing around $1bn, as they believe it will reduce both emissions and noise. Others in the aviation industry are concerned that another variant will add complexity and lower the value of existing fleets.