Aircraft

Air France-KLM has confirmed that it is in talks with Airbus over the possibility of placing an order for the A320neo.

A spokesman for the carrier says that "discussions are continuing with Airbus and the engine manufacturers to evaluate the gains the A320neo will bring to Air France-KLM's own network".

He points out that Air France is "the only airline in the world to operate all the aircraft in the A320 family" and, in line with its strategy to improve the economic and operational performance of its fleet, the carrier is "particularly attentive to new medium-haul projects offered by manufacturers, the most important of which is the A320 equipped with new engines".

The spokesman would not be drawn on which A320neo engine selection Air France might lean towards. The choice is between Pratt & Whitney's PW1100G, which has been designated as the lead development engine, and Franco-US venture CFM International's Leap-X offering.

To date, Airbus has received 332 firm orders and commitments for the A320neo and A321neo, 240 of which have chosen the PW1100G. The remaining 92 orders have yet to confirm an engine choice.