The Airbus A319neo powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines has achieved joint Type Certification from both the US FAA and European EASA airworthiness authorities.

This means that all three aircraft models – the A319neo, A320neo and A321neo – are now certified by the international authorities to operate with the CFM LEAP-1A engine option.

The A320neo Family offers a choice of two new-generation engine options — the PurePower PW1100G from Pratt & Whitney and the LEAP-1A from CFM International.

This latest achievement follows the successful completion of a 500-hour certification flight test programme since the A319neo’s first flight in March last year. The A319neo with LEAP-1A engines is the fifth airframe/engine variant of the neo family to be awarded certification over the last three years.

This also paves the way for the ACJ319neo (Airbus Corporate Jet) variant to enter service with VIP operators during the first half of 2019.

The A319neo can seat 140 passengers in two classes or 160 in a high-density layout with a range of up to 3,750 nautical miles, while the ACJ319neo variant can fly eight VIP passengers 6,750nm or 15 hours.