The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Technology & Internet›Aircraft›Airbus A320
Technology & Internet • Aircraft

Airbus A320

The Airbus A320 is a short- to medium-range, narrow-body commercial jet airliner developed by Airbus.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Airbus A320 is a short- to medium-range, narrow-body commercial jet airliner developed by Airbus. It was the first commercial airliner to use fly-by-wire flight controls and became the basis of the Airbus A320 family, which includes the A318, A319, A320, and A321.

Development and entry into service

Airbus launched the A320 in the 1980s, and the aircraft first flew on 22 February 1987 before entering airline service in April 1988 with Air France.

Design and technology

The A320 is a low-wing, narrow-body twin-engine jet with tricycle landing gear and a fly-by-wire control system, which was a major innovation in commercial aviation.

Variants and family

The A320 became the central model in the A320 family, a common platform that also includes the A318, A319, and A321, with different seating capacities and ranges.

Operational use

The aircraft is widely used by airlines around the world for short- and medium-haul passenger service, with configurations typically ranging from about 140 to 180 seats.

Key facts

  • The A320 is the original and best-known member of the Airbus A320 family.
  • It is a single-aisle, narrow-body aircraft used widely on domestic and regional routes.
  • The A320 introduced fly-by-wire control to a mass-market commercial airliner.
  • Its typical range is about 6,100 km with 150 passengers, depending on configuration.
  • The family also includes the smaller A318 and A319, and the larger A321.
🍁
Canadian context

Air Canada and other Canadian operators have used Airbus A320-family aircraft on domestic and transborder routes, making the type familiar to Canadian travellers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Airbus A320?
A narrow-body, twin-engine commercial passenger jet developed by Airbus for short- to medium-haul routes.
When did the A320 first fly?
The A320’s first flight was on 22 February 1987.
When did it enter service?
It entered commercial service in April 1988 with Air France.
How many passengers does it carry?
Typical seating is about 140–180 passengers, with a maximum of about 180 in some layouts.
What makes the A320 notable?
It was the first mass-market commercial airliner to use fly-by-wire controls.
What aircraft are in the A320 family?
The family includes the A318, A319, A320, and A321.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A320_family
    Supports: Aircraft type, family members, configuration, engines, range, and basic design characteristics.
  2. Airbus — https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/commercial-aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a320-family
    Supports: Family composition, seating ranges, and Airbus description of the A320 family.
  3. Airbus — https://www.aircraft.airbus.com/en/aircraft/a320-family/a320ceo
    Supports: A320 seating range, maximum capacity, and Airbus product description.
  4. Airliners.net — https://www.airliners.net/aircraft-data/airbus-a320/23
    Supports: A320 described as the foundation and best-selling member of the family.
  5. Ready for Takeoff Book — https://readyfortakeoffbook.com/blogs/pilot-recruitment/the-a320-family-explained-a318-a319-a320-a321
    Supports: First flight date, entry into service, and fly-by-wire historical note.