A320NEO - Still a paper airliner

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2016 - That is a long way off, 5 years at least.


For the stated modifications, that's a long time for a major airliner manufacturer such as Airbus. It begs the idea that, as of now, it is just a positioning stunt by Airbus. To keep off-balanced Boeing, Bombardier, Comac, Embraer and Irkut.

A320NEO

In 'A320neo kills business case for CSeries: Leahy'

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/01/350389/a320neo-kills-business-case-for-cseries-leahy.html

Airbus' Mr. Leahy said "There is virtually no business case left for the CSeries. It has the same number of seats, we have a wider fuselage, the fuel burn is similar and we offer 1,200nm [2,200km] more range."


Let's study the points:

1. It has the same number of seats - only the A318 version is similar, it's not selling well, and suffers from weight penalties due to shrink. Score 1 for the CSeries.

2. We have a wider fuselage - because it sits 6 abreast compared to the CSeries' 5 abreast. The CSeries will have a better seat width because of this, and also better drag coefficient. Score 2 for the CSeries.

3. Fuel burn is similar - admitedly fuel cost is very important but the A319NEO will still be much heavier than the Ceries. Let's put this at draw, still CSeries at 2 point advantage.

4. 1,200nm [2,200km] more range - this is good for those who need the range but CSeries will trump the A319 within its range parameters. Let's put this again at draw, still CSeries at 2 point advantage.

CSeries at 2 point advantage based on Mr. Leahy's parameters.

CSeries

It gets better for the CSeries, since the A320NEO validates the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine line. Maybe Qatar Airways will now order the CSeries.


The CSeries, if it enters commercial operations, will be the best in its class for at least 7 years. It may also become the best MD-80 replacement, thousands of which is in operation.


As for Boeing, it will need to make the B737's operating efficiency at least within 5 % points of the A320NEO if it does not offer a B737 replacement within the same period.


Ultimately, Airbus will sell a lot of A320NEO's. but will it maintain its market share in the single aisle sector against the CSeries, B737, C919, and MS21? As the Chinese say, we are in interesting times in the single aisle sector.