Watch our most popular short so far!
The a320 has been a workhorse for many airlines, be it on a short 30 minute stop from city to city, or a country to country flight, it has delivered time and time again;so much so that it is now the best selling commercial narrowbody aircraft.
The a320 began off the success of fellow predecessors a310 and a300. Launched in 1987, the a320 was the first aircraft to have a fly by-wire system installed.
Initially, Airbus worked with Delta, who enjoyed using the a310. Delta wanted a 150-200 seat plane that could potentially fly up to 7.5 hours long.
Airbus launched the aircraft and stretched it to the a321 and shortened the fuselage to create the a319 and a318.
In 2006, Airbus had plans to re-engine the narrowbody and researched wingtip alterations. Airbus named their new wingtips 'sharklets'. These are pictured below:
The first a320neo with new technologies was delivered in 2012 to Indonesia's branch of AirAsia.
Many people misunderstand what 'CEO' and 'NEO' stand for. CEO stands for current engine option, while NEO stands for new engine option.
Next time you fly, look out for the neos and the ceos!