Opinion | The A320neo aircraft and the concerns being raised over it

Recent news of two Airbus 320neo aircraft incidents involving IndiGo and GoAir has led to a great deal of discussion. This, at a time when rival aircraft Boeing 737 Max remains grounded with an ongoing congressional investigation in the US. Questions and speculation have arisen about flight safety. This article highlights the A320neo aircraft and the engine that powers it.

The A320neo was developed as a result of rivalry between Boeing and Airbus. Both manufacturers were keen to produce an aircraft that airlines would order in significant volumes. For this, fuel efficiency was the key. And fuel efficiency largely depends on engines. Thus the name NEO: New Engine Option. In India, its first customer was IndiGo, which placed an order of 150 units. GoAir soon followed with a 72-aircraft order. The first A320neo took to Indian skies in March 2016.