UTC Aerospace Systems congratulates Airbus on today's successful first flight of the A320neo aircraft. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp..

"First flight is a critical milestone on this tremendous program and we're proud to be a partner with Airbus on the A320neo," said Dave Gitlin, president of Aircraft Systems for UTC Aerospace Systems. "Airbus can count on our absolute commitment to this important program."

Airbus has more than 3,000 orders for the A320neo from 60 customers since the aircraft was launched in 2010.

"The A320neo has earned tremendous success in the marketplace and we look forward to providing a seamless entry into service and supporting the production ramp-up for Airbus," said Mike Dumais, president, Power, Controls & Sensing Systems, for UTC Aerospace Systems.

Among the systems that UTC Aerospace Systems supplies are nacelles and thrust reversers, electrical power generators, carbon wheels and brakes, cabin attendant seating and air data sensors.

The A320neo carries UTC Aerospace Systems flight control actuation systems, cockpit controls, ram air turbine, cabin pressure and control system, overheat detection system and multiple lighting systems.

UTC Aerospace Systems also provides the complete engine control package for the Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1100G-JM Geared Turbofan™ engine, the launch engine for the A320neo.

The new engines together with sharklets and the latest cabin innovations result in a 20 percent fuel burn reduction per seat, corresponding to an annual CO2 reduction of 5,000 tons per aircraft.