A320neo programme starts first major-component assembly

Airbus has achieved assembly of the engine pylon for the first A320neo to fly. The pylon, which has just been completed at the dedicated pylon facility in St Eloi in Toulouse, is the first major airframe component assembly to take place for the NEO programme. In parallel with this pylon construction, other major NEO components and subassemblies will shortly be taking shape in factories across various countries. For example, in Hamburg the centre wing-box will soon arrive from the UK to be integrated in the fuselage, and also the rear fuselage will begin assembly there. In St. Nazaire, the forward fuselage will start assembly in January 2014. Overall progress on the first A320neo is well on track for aircraft final assembly to start in spring 2014, followed by the aircraft making its first flight next autumn.