Airbus has sent its latest jet up for its first flight above the skies of southern France, amid high demand for the single-aisle A320neo and its promised fuel economy.
The planemaker has already taken more than 3,000 orders for the A320neo, a revamped version of its bestselling A320 range of jets.
The A320neo — or "new engine option" — incorporates an engine that uses less fuel and sharklet wing tips that help reduce fuel needs. A320s are mid-range jets that generally seat up to 180 passengers.
The plane took off and landed safely in a test flight Thursday in Toulouse.
Airbus on Wednesday raised its long-term forecast for new airplane demand, predicting that airlines will need 31,400 new aircraft over the next 20 years — with most being single-aisle.
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