Airlines
Leap Powered A320Neo Wins EASA/FAA Certification
First airplane scheduled for delivery to Turkey's Pegasus Airlines around mid-year
The first two Leap-powered A320neos accumulated 1,000 hours in the air during 350 flights. (Photo: Airbus)
The first two Leap-powered A320neos accumulated 1,000 hours in the air during 350 flights. (Photo: Airbus)

The CFM Leap-1A-powered Airbus A320neo received type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing for first delivery to Turkey's Pegasus Airlines in mid-2016, Airbus announced Tuesday. The award follows by six months the initial airworthiness certificate issued by the EASA and FAA for the A320neo powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofans. Airbus delivered the first of that option to Lufthansa Airlines on January 20, after original launch customer Qatar Airways balked at early operating restrictions related to time between engine starts.