Passengers of the Airbus A320. Airbus A320 cabin layout: best seats

The A320 development program was launched in March 1984. The A320 airliner made its first flight on February 22, 1987. It used CFM International CFM56-5A1 engines. After passing flight tests, on February 26, 1988, a JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) certificate was received and the aircraft began to arrive at Air France. And the first customer from the USA was the airline "".

The initial version, the A320-100, was built in small numbers, but then an improved version, the A320-200, was released. The improvements mainly concerned increasing the capacity of the fuel tanks. The A320-200 received final certification in November 1988. Since then, the A320-200 has grown into a whole family of medium-haul airliners, the Airbus S.A.S consortium, based on which the following models have been produced: A318, A319 and A321.

Many technical innovations were introduced into the aircraft design. A320 became the first passenger airliner on which the Fly-by-Wire control system was installed. The advantage of this system is that a computer with a given program controls many parameters of the aircraft, for example, it does not allow the angle of attack or overload to be exceeded. The airliner is equipped with EFIS digital avionics from Thomson CSF. The A320 also uses a relatively high percentage of composite materials compared to previous models.

The A320-200 is powered by two CFMI CFM56-5B or IAE V2500 turbojet engines with thrust ranging from 113 kN to 120 kN each.

Aircraft models have different engine options. The serial number of the modification depends on the type of engine installed. For example: the A320-211 uses CFM56-5A1 engines, and the A320-231 model is equipped with IAE V2500-A1 engines, etc.

Airbus a320 interior

Compared to other aircraft in its class, the A320 has a wider cabin, significant cargo space with large doors for easier loading and unloading. And low operating and maintenance costs are an attractive factor for low-cost airlines. For example, the American low-cost airline JetBlue Airways Corporation, located in New York, purchased 233 such aircraft for its fleet. Other low-cost carriers with significant A320 orders include the UK's EasyJet Company Limited and Malaysia's Air Asia.

The best seats on the Airbus A320 - Aeroflot

The best seats on the Airbus A320 - S7 Airlines

The best seats on the Airbus A320 - Ural Airlines

The best seats on the Airbus A320 - Wizz Air

Today, Airbus S.A.S is developing an improved A320 model. New option The A320 was named A320neo. The New Engine Option program is the latest step in the modernization of the A320. The “Neo” modernization program includes such improvements as: weight reduction, a new, modern interior with an expanded luggage compartment. The new airframe will be made using new composite materials. And thanks to the installation of new economical CFM International LEAP-X and P&W PW1000G engines, it is planned to reduce fuel consumption by 10-15 percent.

Compared to previous A320 models, the new A320neo will produce less noise and emissions. The aircraft's wing will also undergo modifications, in particular the wingtips, which will now have the standard shape of a shark fin, the so-called “sharklets”. This modification of the wing reduces fuel consumption by 2-3 percent. Thanks to the innovations, it will be possible to increase the flight range by 950 km and increase the carrying capacity.

Airbus A320 characteristics:

• Years of production: 1987 - present time
• Empty weight: 42100 kg
• Length: 37.57 m
• Height: 11 m
• Scope wings: 31.4 m
• Wing area: 122.6 m2
• Fuselage diameter: 3.95 m
• Cruising speed: 845 km/h (Mach 0.78, 511 mph)
• Maximum speed: 871 km/h (Mach 0.82, 537 mph)
• Flight range: 6300 km.
• Ceiling: 11800 m.
• Run length: 2090 m.
• Run length: 1530 m.
• Cabin width: 3.7 m
• Number of passenger seats: 140 -180 seats
• Crew: 2 people

Airbus A320 video

The Airbus A320 is one of the most popular aircraft in the world. At the time of writing, there are 3,497 Airbus A320s in service worldwide. The A320 made its first flight back in 1987, but production of this model is still ongoing.

The A320 is the first model of the so-called “A320 Family”, which also includes the A318, A319 and A321. This is a line of narrow-body aircraft (narrow-body aircraft are those whose cabin has only one longitudinal aisle). The fuselage of the A320 Family aircraft is one of the widest, if not the widest, of any single-aisle aircraft in the world. The A320's fuselage is 7 inches wider than its competitors, providing increased comfort for passengers. The wide fuselage allows you to place from 4 to 6 seats in one row, depending on the width of the seat, or to create a fairly wide longitudinal passage in the aircraft cabin. The aircraft can accommodate 150 passengers in a two-class cabin and up to 180 passengers in a single-class cabin. The A320 cabin is rightfully considered one of the most comfortable in the world among aircraft of this category. In addition, the headroom of passengers has been significantly increased, allowing for large overhead compartments for hand luggage. The Airbus A320 is equipped with large passenger and service doors. The noise emitted by the aircraft has been significantly reduced.

Airbus A320 is a short- and medium-haul aircraft. Flight range – 6150 km. Advanced lightweight composites are widely used in aircraft construction, which reduces the weight of the aircraft. The wings of the A320 have an optimized design. A320 – the first aircraft in civil aviation, which uses a fly-by-wire control system (EDCS - the so-called “fly by wire” system). We will not dwell on this system in detail, we will only say that, unlike the mechanical system in the EMDS, the aircraft is controlled by electronic signals, this system shifts the emphasis from the pilot to automation, thereby ensuring stability in the air, increasing the smoothness of flight, and taking on many control functions yourself, significantly reducing the pilot's workload.

The A320 is the first Airbus narrowbody model to be equipped with new so-called Sharklets - wingtips. Sharklets with a length of 2.4 m made of lightweight composite improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing and significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Replacing old endings with Sharklets. Airbus A320 of S7 airlines.

According to Airbus, they can increase flight range by approximately 185 km, payload by 450 kg and reduce fuel consumption by 4%. Each Sharklet consists of 95% composite materials and, despite its impressive dimensions (height 2.4 meters), weighs only 40 kg.

Thanks to all these characteristics, the Airbus A320 has gained very wide popularity all over the world, including in Russia. The A320 is widely used in Europe, Asia and on intercontinental routes.

Aircraft of the A320 Family

Length of Airbus A320 - 37.57 meters

Airbus A320 height - 11.76 meters

The wingspan of the Airbus A320 is 35.8 meters with Sharklets wingtips

Airbus A320 take off

Aeroflot Airbus A320 seat layout

As you can see in the diagram, Aeroflot's A320 has two different cabin layouts. They differ in the number of business class seats. In the first option, there are 5 rows of seats in the business class compartment, and the remaining rows are for economy class passengers. Most Aeroflot A320 aircraft have this exact configuration. The second layout option provides only two rows for business class, and all other rows belong to economy class.

Business class.

1 - 5 rows (1 - 2 rows for the second layout). These are business class seats. Each row has 4 chairs (2 on each side). The chairs are wide and comfortable. Business class seats recline quite far. There are comfortable foot rests, they are located under the seat in front of the passenger.

1st row. This business class row has some special features. There is a wall in front of you, whether you like to look at the wall during the entire flight or not is up to you. However, the advantage of the first row is that no one will recline their seat in front of you. Considering the impressive backrest angle in business class, this is quite an important advantage. True, the wall in front of you is equipped with cradles for children, but almost no one uses them. Among the minuses of the first row, it should also be noted that there are no footrests.

Economy class.

6th row (3rd in the second layout). This is the first row of economy class. The advantages and disadvantages are almost the same as the first row of business class. There is a wall in front of you; not everyone likes to look at the wall the entire flight. However, no one will throw their back on you here. This point is more relevant here than in business class, since in economy class the distance between the rows is smaller. This row has a lot of knee room, but you won't be able to stretch your legs. Folding tables are located in one of the armrests, which automatically makes it immovable. One of the important advantages of the front rows is that food and drinks are served from these rows. This circumstance is an advantage not only and not so much because of the consideration of getting food earlier, but because in the back rows you will have a very limited choice of food and drinks.

We also note that the wall in front of the first row of economy class is equipped with bassinets for children, so that the flight may be accompanied by infants.

Airbus A320 interior Aeroflot

Rows 8-9-10 (12-13-14 for the second option). The A320 has two escape hatches on each side of the fuselage, both located in the middle of the cabin (see photo of the plane). The 8th row is located directly in front of the hatch, and its main drawback is that the backs of the seats in this row do not recline or recline very limitedly. The same picture is in the 9th row, since the seats of the 9th row are located in front of the second hatch, that is, between two hatches. However, the 9th row has a big advantage - there is a lot of legroom; because of the hatch, the distance to the 8th row is quite large.

10th row (14 for the second option). These are the places increased comfort» - the best economy class seats. They are located directly behind the second hatch, so there is plenty of legroom up front. However, in 9-10 rows you cannot put hand luggage under the chair or at the feet, so as not to block the emergency hatches. Also, elderly people, passengers with disabilities or passengers with children cannot fly in these rows.

A common drawback for the outer window seats in rows 8-9-10 is that the seats may be a little crooked due to the hatches. Also, due to the proximity to the hatch, it can be cold in some planes. However, you can always ask the flight attendants for blankets.

The remaining rows. The remaining rows of economy class are regular seats. The only rule here is that the further you go towards the tail, the poorer the choice of food and drinks will be.

Last rows. The seats in the last two rows are not the best, especially the seats in the last row and the aisle seats in the penultimate row. Proximity to toilets will not give you pleasure: people will constantly pass near you, the sounds of doors, draining water, and smells will disturb you. Plus, the backs of the seats in the last row do not recline because of the wall.

Seat diagram of the Airbus A320 airline S7

Airbus A320 S7 interior

First, please read the characteristics of the seats and rows of the Aeroflot A320 aircraft, since the advantages and disadvantages of the seats are basically the same. S7 Airlines allocates only two rows for business class (8 seats). The remaining rows belong to the economy class sector.

We only note that the 3rd row of the A320 S7 corresponds to the 6th row of Aeroflot, and the 10-11-12 rows of the S7 correspond to the 8-9-10 rows of the Aeroflot A320.

Seating diagram of the Airbus A320 of Ural Airlines

UralAvia allocates 3 rows (12 seats) for business class, the remaining rows are economy class. The advantages and disadvantages of the seats are the same as in similar Aeroflot aircraft. Check out the Aeroflot A320 seat specifications at the beginning of the article. Economy Class A320 Ural Airlines starts from the 4th row (the 4th row corresponds to the 6th row of Aeroflot).

This model of airliner is produced by the Airbus aircraft manufacturing association. The improved design contains enough large number technical innovations. This aircraft became the first passenger aircraft in the world to use a remote control system. Now, instead of the usual steering wheels, pilots use side handles. Many metal parts have been replaced with products made from composite materials.

Airbus A320 of Aeroflot airline

Despite the unique characteristics of the A320 aircraft, its design continues to be improved. The most recent innovation was the wingtips. These bends are designed to reduce fuel consumption.

Unique parameters

The initial version of the aircraft was produced in small quantities, but after the development of an improved model, aircraft production increased to 40 aircraft per month. In addition to the upward-curved wing tips, the fuel tanks were also modernized, significantly increasing their volume. They now hold 29.8 tons of aviation kerosene.

Airbus A320 with wingtips at the Berlin Airshow, 2012

The main characteristics of the device are as follows:

• Height – 11.8 meters.
• Length – 37.6 meters.
• The wingspan is 34.1 meters.
• The weight of the Airbus 320 is 77 tons. This is with full fuel tanks.
• The flight altitude is 11.9 km.
• Maximum speed – 900 km/h.
• Range – over 5000 km.
• The take-off run is 2 km.

The number of seats in the cabin for ordinary passengers is 180, and if the cabin is configured with business class seats, the capacity of the Airbus A320 without pilots is 150 people.

The developers introduced many technical innovations to the project of this model. The plane became the first passenger airliner with fly-by-wire control system. Its advantages lie in the automatic control of many parameters of the aircraft. In particular, the specified program does not allow overload, and also reacts to the power of the crosswind. Pilots are alerted to any discrepancies by on-board digital electronics supplied by French manufacturers.

It instantly copes with flight and navigation information, instantly processing data related to the operation of on-board systems. Timely warning of pilots about failures greatly facilitates the work of pilots. All electronic equipment meets international standards.

The image from the cameras is transmitted directly to the monitors

Each wing is equipped with one powerful turbojet engine. Regardless of the model, the motors installed are different. The serial number of the modification depends on their types.

Modernization of the A320 airliner

Today, engineers and designers of the Airbus Corporation are improving this aircraft, which has been given the name: “A320neo”. This is another step in the modernization of this model. A large number of elements made of composite materials will be added: plastic reinforced with glass fiber and carbon fiber. Honeycomb core is also used.

The aircraft development program includes the following changes: weight reduction of the entire structure, improved interior design, and increased luggage compartment.

The main part of the wing mechanization is made of heterogeneous artificial materials. These are spoiler panels, nose cone, slats, flaps, etc. The vertical tail is completely composite. The material consists of two or more components. Each of them is separated by a clear boundary. In most composites, the components are divided into a matrix and its constituent reinforcing elements. They are designed to improve mechanical performance. The front part of the horizontal stabilizer is also made of composite.

The modernized model will be equipped with new economical engines. The emission of harmful substances and noise levels will be significantly reduced. Fuel consumption will be reduced by up to 15%. The wings will also be improved. Now the ends will resemble shark fins. According to the calculations of the developers, it is precisely such designs that reduce fuel consumption. Thanks to all the innovations, the flight range will increase by almost 1000 kilometers.

Flying laboratory, aka the very first A320 with tail number MSN001

Peculiarities

Compared to other airliners of similar sizes, the A320 model has a fairly large passenger cabin, equipped with wide shelves that can accommodate a large amount of hand luggage. The huge cargo compartment and extended hatches for loading luggage stand out here. The company's developers made all these and other changes after 2000.

The interior panels were replaced. Now passengers can easily place hand luggage 10% more than before. Individual LED lighting appeared above each chair. The main light in the cabin can be adjusted as needed. Outdated cathode ray monitors have been replaced by liquid crystal displays.

In addition to electronics, the developers worked on many mechanisms, significantly improving their performance. All this contributed to a reduction in the cost of service.

Another feature of the A320 model is the technically improved cockpit. Now any information regarding auxiliary systems, as well as the aircraft’s engines, its flight position and other parameters, is displayed on several displays occupying the main part of the instrument panel.

Thanks to the side control handles, the work of the pilots has been greatly simplified. These joysticks are not directly connected to the planes. Any movement of the levers is processed by a computer, after which the information is transmitted to the drives, whose operation is based on hydraulics. The high level of automation made it possible to limit the number of crew members to two pilots, and also significantly increased passenger comfort and flight safety.

Official development of the A320 aircraft model began in 1984. The car first took off three years later. Despite this, the liner has not been written off, but is constantly being modernized. This is dictated by the demands of the time. In particular, the developers are somewhat reducing the passenger space, thereby increasing the number of seats.

As for production lines, they are open in many countries around the world. Relatively recently, an aircraft assembly plant in China began producing 4 aircraft per month.

At the Le Bourget air show, held in 2011, this model was in high demand. Thanks to this, the management of the Airbus concern received several large orders from leasing and even budget organizations. In total, the aircraft manufacturing association received 667 orders, which undertook to supply 1,029 A320 model aircraft to customers. The total amount of all orders was almost $70 billion. This figure made the airliner the most popular in the world.

In the family of this series of machines, the largest is the A321 model. She was first seen in action in 1994 when she carried her first passengers. The huge dimensions do not provide for more passenger seats. However, there are also two salons, one of which is budget.

From the moment of commissioning A320 absolutely surpassed all other civil aircraft in terms of the use of high technology - both in aerodynamics and in the field of on-board equipment.

History of creation

After ten years of discussions, in which almost all aircraft manufacturers in Europe took part, the consortium Airbus Industry in 1981, he began implementing a project for a 150-seat airliner for short- and medium-haul routes.

At that time, aircraft with large
passenger capacity, so two cars with 154 and 172 seats were taken into development. These were two models A320-100 And A320-200, but in 1984 such a project was abandoned in favor of one 162-seat vehicle. The new project included two versions of the aircraft, differing only in the capacity of the fuel tanks and the designation A320-100 And A320-200 remains relevant.

First flight A320

The new aircraft was first flown on February 22, 1987, under the name A320-100, only 21 aircraft were produced in the series of such airliners. Second option A320-200 became the main representative of airliners A320, the airworthiness certificate for this model was issued in November 1988. This plane is different from A320-100 increased maximum take-off weight, wingtips with delta-shaped winglets and an additional fuel tank of 8016 liters in the center section.

Consortium Airbus is constantly working to modernize its aircraft, a program has been launched New Engine Option by equipment A320 new economical power plants. Pratt & Whitney engines PW1000G According to the company's management, operating costs will be reduced by 20%, and the airliner itself will receive improved aerodynamics and a new passenger cabin design.
The Russian company Transaero has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 8 units А320neo, which began to enter service in 2015.

Design features of the A320 airliner

According to its aerodynamic design A320 is a monoplane with a low-swept wing, under which engines are located on both sides and a single-fin tail.

The airliner's wing is thin with high aerodynamic efficiency, all the mechanization is made of composite materials, the fin and the leading edge of the stabilizer are also made of composite. Side winglets on the wing tips save fuel and reduce induced drag.

Airbus A320 - flying throughout Europe

Power plants since 1989 have been equipped with the quietest and most powerful engines in their class, the V2500. Engines A320 during takeoff mode they produce a noise level of no more than 82 decibels. The aircraft has a three-wheel landing gear, each bogie has two wheels. The main struts are retracted in flight into the center section, the nose strut is retracted into the front part of the fuselage.

A distinctive feature of the aircraft is fly-by-wire control. In the cockpit, the commander on the left side and the co-pilot on the right have two sidesticks, replacing the usual steering wheel. The sidesticks do not have a direct connection with the control surfaces; any deviation is calculated by the computer and the signal from it gives a command to the hydraulic drive to deflect the rudders.

Video: Airbus A320 - flight from the cockpit

These side control sticks freed up space for the pilots' fold-down tables and improved visibility of the six color LCD displays, two directly in front of the pilots and two in the center of the instrument panel. The displays provide pilots with all the information about the navigation situation, the operation of power plants and other equipment of the aircraft.

Passenger cabin A320 made very spacious, the shelves for hand luggage have a large volume, there is a lot of space for cargo on the lower deck and wide hatches for loading luggage. The cabin is lined with modern panels, a touch display on the Flight Attendant Panel, LED lighting for each passenger seat and the ability to change the brightness of the entire cabin lighting from 0 to 100%.

Flight performance

• The length of the aircraft is 37.57 m.
• The height of the aircraft is 11 m.
• Wing span – 34.1 m.
• The cabin width is 3.7 m.
• Maximum takeoff weight– 77 t.
• Minimum take-off distance – 2090 m.
• Engines – 2 x IAE V2500-A5.
• Thrust – 2 x 104.5 kN.
• Cruising speed is 840 km/h.
• Number of passengers – from 140 to 180.
• Fuel consumption – 2700 l/hour.
• Range – 6150 km.
• Practical ceiling – 12 thousand m.
• Crew – 2 people.

Features of choosing the best places

Flying an airplane is still very tiring and depends on the right seat and A320 gives you the opportunity to spend time in the air calmly and comfortably. The rules for choosing seats are usual; on the booklet, which you can buy at the ticket office, there is a layout of seats in the passenger cabin.

The choice of seat depends on your taste, there is only one peculiarity - the chairs next to the toilet and in the back are the most uncomfortable and restless. If you want to relax and sleep well during the flight, choose a seat near the bulkhead; if you like the view from the window, please look at the ground or admire the view of the clouds.
Aeroflot names the best seats in the cabin A320 the following: in the fourth row - A, B, E, F and in the eleventh - B, C, D, E.

Inside A320 The first five rows are considered business class; the seats in these rows can be reclined far back without creating inconvenience for passengers in adjacent rows. Business class has seating for baby cots, but no dedicated legroom.

Economy class is separated by a partition; the distance between the seats is less than in business class, but the backrest can be reclined to its full extent without interference. The chairs in front of the partition have their inconveniences; if you don’t bring reading literature, you will have to look at the wall all the time, but service begins from this row.

a320 - interior

Due to the proximity of the toilet, seats in the twenty-fourth row are the most restless; children and older people are not recommended to purchase seats in the tenth and ninth rows. The location of the fourth and eleventh row seats near the emergency hatch makes them the safest. The passenger cabin is not comfortable enough for a tall person due to the technical features of the aircraft, but despite all these errors, “ Airbus 320» is considered quite convenient for this class. Have a nice flight!

The Airbus A320 aircraft is one of the best narrow-body aircraft of all Airbus products. This company produces airliners high quality and comfort, Airbus aircraft are economical on short and medium distance routes.

The Airbus A320 made its first flight in 1987 and immediately won recognition in world civil aviation. This aircraft can carry from 150 to 180 people. In the first case, business class seats are arranged 2+2, and in economy class – 3+3. To understand which seats on the plane are considered the best, you need to familiarize yourself with the seating chart.

Aeroflot actively uses Airbuses in its fleet. The total number of these aircraft reaches 67 units. Let's look at the location of seats on the Airbus 320 now.

Scheme Airbus cabin The A320 has several variants. Each of them does not infringe on passenger comfort. The following options are available:

• four-seater (business class);
• five-seater;
• six-seater.

In the picture you can see the location of the seats and the width of the aisles.

As with all aircraft, business class seats are located at the head of the aircraft. In the Airbus A320 this is row 1-5. The step between the rows is small, but it is enough to make passengers feel comfortable. It is worth noting some features of the first row:

• There is a mount for a baby cradle on the wall in front of the passenger;
• a passenger in the first row does not have to worry that the back of the seat in front will recline on him;
• However, in the first rows there are no footrests, like for passengers in the next rows.

Numbering of seats on Airbus A320 Aeroflot aircraft

We invite you to study the numbering of seats for passengers planning to fly on an Airbus A320; the cabin layout is also posted on the Internet.

There are both bad and best seats on the plane. Aeroflot provides aircraft cabin seat maps freely available on the Internet. There are also standard places; being in them has neither any advantages nor disadvantages.

The figure above shows a diagram of the Airbus A320 aircraft. Aeroflot allows you to choose suitable seats yourself if desired.

Aeroflot A 320 business class cabin

The best seats in the Airbus A320

The best seats on the plane are considered to be the sixth, ninth (with comments), and tenth row. Regarding sixth row, then you don't have to worry about this:

• backrests reclined in front;
• you will receive your food first, because it is from you that the food is distributed;
• There are mounts for cradles, which is convenient when flying with children.

Among the negative aspects, one can highlight the limited space for outstretched legs; not everyone is comfortable looking at a blank wall all the way.

In the ninth row The backrests, unfortunately, do not recline, but there is free legroom. You can easily let your neighbors pass without leaving your seat. Tenth row, seats A and F somewhat skewed due to the emergency exit, while there is more legroom than usual, the backrests also recline as standard.

The most comfortable and best seats on the Aeroflot A320 economy class aircraft are in the tenth row B, C, D, and E.

There is a lot of space for outstretched legs due to the proximity to the emergency exit, the seats recline quietly, the seats are not sloping like A and F. There is only one restriction - you cannot put hand luggage at the feet. Only this moment is unlikely to upset passengers in these seats.

Remember, passengers with children, elderly people and people with disabilities will not be seated in rows 9 and 10, emergency exits must be released mobile in emergency cases.