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Airbus A320

Airbus A320

Aircraft

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.

Frequently asked questions about the Airbus A320

How fast does a Airbus A320 fly?

An Airbus A320 is normally flying at about 828 km/h (447 knots), which is its cruising speed. It can fly a bit faster, but never more than 870 km/h (470 knots).

How much does a Airbus A320 cost?

The Airbus A320 has a new price starting at about €101,000,000. The exact price depends on the chosen options, exchange rates and other factors.

How far can a Airbus A320 fly?

The range is about 5,700 kilometres. The distance also depends on how fast you fly and whether there is much wind. A possible diversion to another airport is also taken into account.

How much does a Airbus A320 consume?

Without wind, the Airbus A320 consumes about 377 litres per 100 km, which is about 1 in 0.3. The consumption depends on how fast you fly. Usually the consumption is indicated at the cruising speed. For this aircraft it is on average about 828 km/hr with a consumption of about 3125 litres per hour.

How much does a Airbus A320 weigh?

Empty the aircraft weighs about 42,600 kg. Including fuel, passengers and baggage, the aircraft must not weigh more than 78,000 kg. The maximum amount of fuel, passengers and baggage that can be carried is 35,400 kg.

About Eveline van den Boom

The author of this article is Eveline van den Boom. In 2006, she received her first flying lesson as a birthday present; a beautiful flight over Rotterdam. That tasted like more!

In 2010, she got her PPL licence in Lelystad. In 2011, an aircraft was purchased: an Aero AT-3. This aircraft is still flying in the Vliegles.nl fleet with callsign PH-EVB.

She wrote the theory books "Theory of Flying" and "Theory helicopter flying". These can be ordered with your flying lesson and are also separately for sale on Bol.com

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