Airbus says it is on track to deliver its first A320neo ("new engine option") by the end of December, after receiving approval from U.S. and European aviation authorities of its Pratt & Whitney engine variant.

Completing a 14-month flight test program, the A320neo with Pratt & Whitney's Pure Power PW1100G-JM engine was approved by both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency. A second A320neo engine variant, the CFM LEAP-1A, has attained joint original certification from both agencies.

Airbus is scheduled to make its first A320neo delivery of the Pratt & Whitney variant to Qatar Airways.

The A320neo is a family of single-aisle airliners designed for greater fuel economy and range than the original A320, which it will succeed. According to Airbus, the A320neo offers a 20% fuel burn improvement per seat compared to its current A320 jetliners. The company says the efficiencies result from the two new engines as well as the installation of Sharklet wingtips. The wingtips are 2.4-meter-high arrow-shaped devices affixed to the end of each wing. They are designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel burn by up to 4%.

Airbus expects to make its first A320neo delivery to Qatar Airways at the end of December. Image credit: Airbus.Airbus says modifications incorporated into the new family of jetliners will extend the A320neo's range by 500 miles over its predecessor and reduce maintenance costs by 5%. The aircraft also carry up to 20 additional passengers without reducing seat space, a result of its “Cabin Flex” interior to increase seating capacity.

Airbus has received firm orders from more than 75 customers for more than 4,300 A320neo aircraft comprising versions with both engine types.