First A320neo for China Southern Takes Shape

By Michelangelo Ji, China Aviation Daily

The first Airbus A320neo aircraft for China Southern Airlines was rolled out the final assembly line, according to a source familiar with the matter.

According to a photo published by flickr user "XFW-Spotter", China Southern's first A320neo has finished assembly, with a tail in the airline livery. The aircraft will then be moved to the next assembly station for structural completion, engines installation, ground testing of mechanical, electrical and avionics systems, and then the start of cabin installation.

In early 2015, China Southern signed an agreement with Dutch lessor, AerCap for 24 A320neo aircraft. Delivery of the A320neos to China Airlines is scheduled between 2016 and 2019.