Airbus A320 family
The Airbus A320 family is a range of twin-engine narrow-body airliners. The original A320 introduced digital fly-by-wire flight controls to mainstream commercial service and became the basis for a broad common-type family.[1]
Specifications
The principal family-level specifications are shown in the information panel. Values vary by variant, cabin, engine and operating rules; the linked manufacturer material is the controlling reference.
Development history
Airbus launched the A320 in 1984 to compete in the single-aisle market. It first flew in 1987 and entered service with Air France in 1988. The shorter A319 and A318 and longer A321 followed; the neo generation added new engines and aerodynamic changes.[1]
Variants
The family covers the A318, A319, A320 and A321. Each major model has current-engine-option (ceo) and, except the A318, new-engine-option (neo) derivatives; the A321LR and A321XLR extend range.
Current and former operators
Current operators include easyJet, IndiGo, American, Delta, JetBlue, Lufthansa, British Airways, Wizz Air and AirAsia. Former operators include Northwest, US Airways, Ansett Australia and carriers absorbed through mergers.
Engines
A320ceo-family aircraft use CFM56 or International Aero Engines V2500 turbofans. Neo-family aircraft use CFM LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofans.
Orders and deliveries
The family remains in production, so exact totals move monthly. Airbus's official workbook supplies current orders, cancellations, backlog and deliveries by model.[2]
Accidents and incidents
Selected events include US Airways Flight 1549, which ditched on the Hudson River in 2009 after bird strikes caused an almost complete loss of thrust in both engines. All 155 occupants survived.[3]
Compare with
Direct primary sources
A320 family — Airbus
Airbus orders and deliveries — Airbus
US Airways Flight 1549 accident report — National Transportation Safety Board