Airbus is intending to restrict the freedom of customers to convert from the baseline A320 to the A320neo.
The airframer says that conversion rights are "not foreseen" in contracts for the aircraft. "There is no possibility of conversion," Airbus says.
The airframer says that there is no firm deadline for ending A320 production despite gathering momentum for the A320neo. It stresses that the market will decide when to phase out the legacy A320.
"As long as there is demand we will continue to build it," says Airbus, pointing to agreements with IndiGo and Virgin America as a clear indication that "there is a need for both models".
"We see a number of airlines who might prefer the current version for many years to come - for example, for fleet homogeneity," it adds. "We'll offer both the current A320 - with today's wing and today's engines - and in parallel offer the new A320neo family."
Customers have placed orders and commitments for the A320neo totalling 302 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
