The delivery of the first 180-seat Airbus (www.airbus.com) A320- neo (neo stands for new engine option) to Lufthansa earlier last month ushered in a new era in aircraft efficiency and emissions savings, as the industry seeks to meet its goal — set in 2009 — of carbon neutrality by 2020 and a 50% reduction in emissions by 2050 (compared to 2005 levels).

Equipped with Pratt & Whitney (www.pw.utc.com) PurePower Geared Turbofan engines, the A320neo sets a new standard in aircraft efficiency, reducing emissions and noise as well as burning 15% less fuel than current-generation aircraft.
Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said: “We are happy that we are the first airline world-wide to receive the Airbus A320neo. Featuring the leading technology of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, the A320neo is by far the most efficient and most silent aircraft on short- and medium-haul routes.”

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus president and CEO, said: “Handing over the first A320neo to a world-leading airline and long-standing Airbus customer is a truly great day for everyone at Airbus. This occasion marks a new step forward to delivering on our promises and meeting our industry’s goal for sustainable aviation.”