Erstflug Airbus A318 mit CFM56-5 Engines

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> AUGUST 29, 2002

THE A318 TAKES OFF WITH CFM56-5 ENGINES

Airbus’ A318 flight test campaign marked another major milestone today when the first aircraft equipped with CFM International CFM56-5 engines lifted off for the first time.

 

The mission began from Finkenwerder airfield at Airbus’ Hamburg, Germany plant (where the A318 final assembly line is located), and included handling quality evaluations as well as performance tests. After demonstrating that the CFM56-engines performed exactly as anticipated, the aircraft landed at Airbus’ Toulouse, France facility to complete a successful 4-hour, 2-minute flight.

 

Airbus launched the A318 programme in April 1999 to provide a 100-seat category version of the popular A320 twin-engine Family. Tailored for high-frequency, low-density routes, the A318 further reinforces the A320 Family’s position as the best-selling single-aisle aircraft available on the market.

 

CFM56-5 engines are currently in service with more than 80 airlines worldwide, and they power other members of the A320 Family as well as Airbus’ four-engine A340-200 and A340-300.

 

The A318 first flew in January 2002 powered by Pratt & Whitney PW6000 engines, and the aircraft’s flight test campaign has now reached its halfway point. A318 airline service will begin in late summer 2003 with launch customer Frontier Airlines. The Denver, Colorado carrier will use the CFM56-5-powered version of the aircraft.