John Leahy, chief operating officer, customers at Airbus has stated that the newly re-engined A320 New Engine Option, or A320NEO, will mean there is "virtually no business case left" for Bombardier's CSeries.
He also stated that CSeries launch customer Lufthansa among several airlines and lessors are "very interested" in the re-engined aircraft.
"The job for the Canadians has become much harder," says Leahy. "It has the same number of seats, we have a wider fuselage, the fuel burn is similar and we offer 1,200 miles [1,930km] more range".
Bombardier says the launch of the A320NEO program was expected and has “factored in a competitive response such as this." The CSeries will enter into service in 2013 much sooner than the NEO, which Bombardier says “changes nothing”.
"There is a compelling case for the CSeries, which remains the only optimised aircraft in the 100-plus seat range. We will take that message to airlines and operators around the world. We are in discussions, we will continue with those discussions and some will result in further orders.