The A320 is a series of "narrow body" aircraft developed and built by Airbus. Narrow body usually means that the aircraft has about 6 rows of seats next to each other in economy and 1 aisle in the cabin. The aircraft is often used for shorter flights.
The first A320 was presented in 1984 as an answer to the Boeing 737 and made its first flight in February 1987. This flight was operated by Air France.
The Airbus A320 is characterized by fly-by-wire and side-stick technology. The Airbus has joysticks on the side instead of a steering wheel (yoke). Fly-by-wire means that the pilots do not control the control surfaces directly. The pilots operate the joystick and their movements are transmitted to a computer. The computer then controls the control surfaces.
Brand | Airbus |
Type | A320 |
Pilots | 2 |
Passengers | 186 |
Maximum Take Off Weight | 78000 kg |
Empty weight | 42600 kg |
Payload | 35400 kg |
Cruising speed | 447 knots (828 km/h) |
Maximum Speed | 470 knots (870 km/h) |
Maximum distance | 5700 km |
Fuel consumption | 3125 l/hour |
Fuel Capacity | 30000 liter |
Span | 35.8 m |
Height | 37.6 m |
New price | € 101,000,000 (2018) |
ICAO code | A320 |
These specifications are intended to give you an idea of the Airbus A320. They cannot be used for flight preparation. Often there are many different types of aircraft released with varying specifications and prices. Check the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) if you want to know the exact values of the aircraft you are going to fly. Your flight instructor will be happy to help you with this.