A320neo production begins

TOULOUSE, France -- Less than a week after the announcement that Airbus will build an A320 assembly line in Mobile, Ala., the first "cutting of metal" for the A320neo version has taken place in Toulouse. It marks the start of manufacturing of the fuel-efficient version of the popular A320. The event was the machining of the first component for the engine pylon, the structures that hold the engine to the wing. The pylon has much in common with the existing type, but incorporates more titanium and new features tailored for fuel-efficient engines. (Source: Airbus, 07/08/12)