Innovative fuel-saving technology behind the world’s fastest-selling commercial aircraft has won a regional award for engineers at aerospace giant Airbus’s Filton plant.
The A320neo (new engine option) programme developed at Filton has upgraded the existing short-haul A320 aircraft range with new engines and aerodynamic state-of-the-art ‘sharklet’ wingtips.
As a result it can save up to 15% on fuel on an average flight – a huge cost saving for airlines which also brings massive environmental benefits.
The programme won the new markets and products category in the prestigious WEAF (West of England Aerospace Forum) Awards this week.
The award was presented to Airbus neo wing architecture leader Jey Williams by Paul Marston, managing director of NatWest Commercial Banking South West during the annual WEAF conference at Weston-super-Mare.
Head of the A320neo team at Filton, Sue Partridge, said: “This is a great accolade for a very exciting programme. We’re very proud of neo and to have won this award is testament to the skills of the team and the quality of this exciting aircraft.”
WEAF chief executive Barry Warburton added: “The quality of entries in the competition was extremely high with the Airbus NEO demonstrating all that is best within the sector.
“The quality of the team and its spirit and determination to succeed is a credit to the company and to those that aspire to be the best in class.”
Pictured: Jey Williams of Airbus with the WEAF award 
