Airbus A318 approved for steep approach

Airbus A318 approved for steep approach

Airbus A318 models, fitted with Pratt & Whitney PW6000 engines, were recently approved for steep approach. The approval was granted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Certification for the CFM56 powered A318 is expected to come later this year.

Steep approach certification means that the A318 satisfies the approach requirements at London City Airport. It will be the latest generation airliner in the 100-seat class, offering more range than existing aircraft serving the airport. With the A320 Family cabin, the widest and most comfortable cabin of any single-aisle airliner, the A318 will bring higher comfort to business routes operating out of the airport.

This stamp of approval is the culmination of an extensive four-year development and test programme carried out by Airbus with EASA and airport authorities, during which the A318 already successfully performed compatibility tests, including steep approaches, at London City Airport. The tests are also said to demonstrate that the A318 is an excellent neighbour, ideally suited to downtown sites, as it has ultra low noise characteristics.