Airbus Industrie has achieved Joint Aviation Authorities certification for the smallest member of its family, the 124-seat A319, powered by the 105kN (23,500lb)-thrust version of the CFM International CFM56-5B engine. Certification of versions powered by the 98kN CFM56-5A and 98-105kN IAE V2500-A5 is set for the fourth quarter of 1996.
Delivery of the first aircraft, to ILFC, in Swissair colours, is set for late April. A total of 88 A319s have been ordered.
Flight-testing has been continuing since August 1995, involving two aircraft flying around 500 flight hours. The A319 was the first Airbus aircraft to be certificated from the outset with Category III automatic-landing capability.
Source: Flight International
