Airbus A320

Type mission : short to medium range airliner
Manufacturer : Airbus
History & facts : Entered service in 1988, Airbus A320 is the foundation type for short-bodied A319 and A318 also the stretched A321. A320 is the airliner technology leader back in nineties. A320 was known as the first airliners with fly-by-wire system entered the market. A320 came with cockpit look that nothing come close; joystick-like controllers at each side, six glass screen colour display EFIS (electronic flight control system) and simpler, neater overall filghtdeck. Designed to compete on the most popular airliner type category and against the most popular airliner ever; the Boeing 737 series. Compared to 737, A320 is slimmer, simpler, more economical and more agile. Further down the details, A320 series have better range overall, shorter required runway length and better weight capacity. Another advantage is that A320, A318, A319 and A321 shared exactly the same cockpit, making easier process for a pilot to fly any of them without different type rating. Of course there will be many pros and cons about this Airbus vs Boeing, but Airbus A320 has proven as a big hit to the competitor. Airbus is literally above the wind until Boeing launched 737NG series, that is the next generation series that making the competition even. But until then, the new comer Airbus A320 series has managed to get half of the short to mid-range airliner world market.

Capacity : 150 passengers typical two class or 179 passengers one class high density
Engines : two CFM or IAE turbofans
Max speed : mach 0.82, 350 kt, 648 km/h, 403 mph
Range : 3000 nm, 5500 km, 3400 miles
List price : 55+ million USD