Aircraft 320 diagram. Airbus A320 aircraft: numbering of seats in the cabin, seating layout, best seats

The Airbus A320 aircraft is a representative of narrow-body air vehicles for medium-haul flights. It was created by Airbus S.A.S. The Airbus A320 (photo below) differs from other aircraft of a similar design in its more spacious passenger cabin, wide shelves for hand luggage, high load capacity on the lower deck and convenient hatches for luggage.

Short story

The Airbus A320 was developed back in the mid-1980s. At that time, it could easily be called innovative. It, for example, became the first non-military aircraft equipped with Fly-By-Wire (electronic fly-by-wire control system). Previously, this technology was used only on fighter aircraft. Ordinary steering wheels were replaced with side control handles, and dial indicators were abandoned in favor of displays. Also, computers took the place of the flight engineer, which provided the calculation of all the necessary flight parameters and controlled the work of the crew. For the first time, the weight of the aircraft was lightened using composite materials. The Airbus A320 made its first flight in 1987, and its commercial operation began in March 1988. This aircraft had no equal at that time. It went far ahead of its most important competitors, Boeing, while boasting a lower price due to the reduction in the cost of fuselage skin.

Until the beginning of February 2008, aircraft installation could only be carried out in the city of Toulouse (France), but since March 2008, due to increased demand, work was also carried out at the Hamburg Finkenwerder plant. Moreover, an assembly line for A320 series aircraft was also later opened in China. As of 2011, the estimated productivity was 4 aircraft per month.

Almost 30 years have passed since the release of the first prototype. During this time, the aircraft was modernized several times. The latest modification, the Airbus A320 NEO, features improved wings and an engine.

Technical characteristics of the Airbus A320 aircraft

• Best seats: 10th or 11th row (depending on configuration).
• Crew - 2 people.
• Length - 35.57 meters.
• The wingspan is 34.1 meters.
• The fuselage diameter is 3.95 meters.
• The maximum permissible take-off weight is 780 centners.
• Cruising speed - 910 km/h (840 km/h).
• The noise level on takeoff is 82 decibels.
• The maximum possible flight altitude is up to 11.8 meters.
• Flight range is up to 6.15 kilometers.
• Passenger capacity depends on the configuration and ranges from 150 to 180 people.

A320 family of aircraft

A318 is the smallest of the line. The basic configuration of the A318 is designed to carry 107 passengers in two classes of cabins. In the one-class variation of the model, the capacity is 132 passengers. Made its first flight in July 2003. This aircraft can fly over a distance of up to 5950 km. The A318 can also be used at airports with shorter runways than aircraft of similar size and capacity. It is suitable for use at airports located within the city.

A319 is a modified version of the A320 with a shortened fuselage. This was achieved by reducing the number of seats for passengers by two rows. Its dimensions allow it to cover a distance of up to 6850 kilometers. This is the longest range of the entire A320 family. Designed to carry 124 passengers. The permissible range is about 6,650 kilometers; a variant is available with increased capacity by 32 seats, but with a shorter maximum flight distance.

The A319CJ is a business aircraft with a very small capacity, but a significantly longer flight range.

A319LR is a modification of the Airbus A319 with additional fuel tanks and the ability to fly a distance of 8.3 kilometers.

A319ACJ (another name is Airbus Corporate Jet) is a corporate aircraft that can carry 39 passengers with a flight range of up to 12,000 kilometers.

The A320 is a twin-engine airliner with a center aisle cabin. It features four passenger entrances and four emergency exits. The Airbus A320 can accommodate a maximum of 180 passengers. In the basic two-class version, the cabin accommodates up to 150 passengers. The average flight range is 4600 kilometers.

A321 is an extended version of the same Airbus A320. Capacity - from 185 to 220 passengers. The plane first flew in 1994. The flight range is 5600 kilometers.

New Engine Option

Airbus has long been developing new engines that will power the Airbus A320. The interior layout is shown below. This development was called New Engine Option, abbreviated NEO. Customers are offered a choice of Pratt & Whitney PW1000G and CFM International LEAP-X engines. They're nearly 16 percent more fuel-efficient, although the total savings will be slightly less because about 2 percent of the money saved will go towards re-engineering existing models. The new devices will provide greater flight range (by approximately 950 kilometers) and payload capacity (by as much as two tons). The A320 NEO also features redesigned wings with end plates called shark fins.

Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G

The Airbus CEO said that by installing Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G series engines, a 15-20 percent reduction in operating costs can be guaranteed. The first aircraft of this type will be delivered in 2016. In total, Airbus plans to produce 4,000 A320 NEO class aircraft over the next 15 years. One of the largest customers was the American air transport company Virgin America, which completed all the documents and paid for the order for 30 brand new Airbuses at once. A total of 60 aircraft are to be delivered under the contract. IndiGo Airlines also became interested in the new engines and signed a contract for the supply of about 150 A320 NEO aircraft.

Competition

The main competitors in the aircraft market for the A320 family are Boeing aircraft. For example, the Boeing 757 is a competitor to the Airbus A321, as it has a longer flight range and greater passenger capacity. Fortunately for Airbus S.A.S., this aircraft model was discontinued in 2005. Although the Airbus A320, about which passenger reviews have always been very good, for a long time was the most popular aircraft, development modern technologies forces developers to improve the liner again and again. In addition, the appearance of the Next Generation line of aircraft on the market displaced the entire A320 family, which prompted Airbus to release A320 NEO class aircraft.

Airlines with a high level of service try to make air travel as comfortable as possible. However, flying is still quite a tiring thing. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right seats in the cabin. One of the most popular aircraft currently used to transport passengers over long distances is the Airbus 320. The interior layout of both models (320-100 and 320-200) looks approximately the same. Currently only the second model is in operation. The developers abandoned the first one for technical reasons. But first things first.

History of creation

Narrow-body aircraft for short and medium-haul airlines. Airbus began developing the A320 after the success of the A300. The main features of the new product were a digital cockpit and EDSU (remote control system). Instead of mechanical instruments in front of the pilots’ eyes, already in 1988 all flight data was displayed on a cathode-ray screen. The third innovation is the use of sidesticks instead of steering wheels. These side handles were directly connected to the aircraft's control apparatus. Any movement on the sidesticks was instantly processed by on-board computers and put into action. High level automation made it possible to limit the number of crew to two pilots. For the same reason, this model is actively used by Aeroflot.

Airbus 320, the interior diagram of which is presented below, has a length of 37.59 m, a height of eleven meters, and a maximum width of thirty-four meters. With a maximum load of one and a half hundred people, the airliner can cover a distance of six thousand kilometers. The difference in modifications affected the quantity seats. The two-class model is designed for 150 passengers, and the one-class model is designed for one hundred and eighty.

Airbus 320 aircraft: updated interior layout

The A320 has a number of advantages compared to other airliners: large shelves for hand luggage in the spacious cabin, wide hatches for loading luggage and a large cargo deck. In the early 2000s, the interior panels were changed, FAPs were made with touch screens, the volume of shelves for hand luggage increased by eleven percent, LED individual lighting and the ability to adjust the brightness of the cabin appeared. In addition, computer logistics were updated, cathode-ray screens were replaced with LCD displays. For these reasons, as well as due to its relatively low cost, the Airbus is very popular in the world.

Production

Parts from various factories are supplied to Toulouse for final assembly of the A320. In 2007, German managers achieved the transfer of production to Germany. Production capacity is forty-two units per month, in KRN - fifty aircraft per year. Some parts supplied with the A320 release allows Airbus Industrie to compensate for losses associated with the production of the A380. But the company incurs losses due to the difference in exchange rates. Payment for equipment occurs in dollars, and production is concentrated in the Eurozone. The successful model served as the basis for the development of the A321, A319 and A318.

Airbus 320: interior layout

Aeroflot best places on the plane he names the following: A, B, E, F in the fourth row and B, C, D, E in the eleventh. General rules seat selection - standard. Before purchasing a ticket, familiarize yourself with the aircraft layout diagram from booklets that can be purchased at the ticket office. “Good” tickets sell out quickly, so it’s better to arrive early for registration. It is better not to purchase places in the tail, near the galleys and toilets. When purchasing, be guided by your taste: if you are going to sleep the whole trip, it is better to choose a place near the wall, and if you are admiring the clouds, then by the porthole. That's two different concepts. Study the brochures carefully.

The Airbus 320 200, the interior diagram of which is presented below, includes twenty-five rows of five or six seats each. The first five rows are dedicated to business class. The distance between the rows in this model is quite limited. The first row has its own characteristics:

• business chairs have a large angle of inclination, you can easily recline the back without hitting anyone;
• Passengers with small children rarely fly business class, although the entire cabin is equipped with mounts for baby bassinets;
• business class passengers will not have special place for legs.

Economy Class Features

The sixth row is located in front of the partition of the Airbus 320 airliner. The interior diagram demonstrates this in detail. The seat pitch in economy class is even smaller. But passengers in a separate row do not have to worry that someone will recline their seat on them. If you don’t take magazines with you on the road, you’ll always have to admire the wall in front. Since this is the first row of economy class, service begins from there.

The eighth row is close to the emergency exit. Therefore, the seat backs are very limited in movement. Passengers in the ninth row will face the same problem. Places A and F can be beveled. But, thanks to the large distance between the rows, passengers can sit comfortably with their legs stretched out. If one of your neighbors needs to go out, they can do so without disturbing you.

The first nine seats B and E do not have porthole access. They are located in the middle of the row. Passengers from seats C and D can quickly leave them at any time without disturbing their neighbors. But flight attendants with trolleys and other flight participants may be in the way when they move along the aisle in the Airbus 320 100 model.

The interior layout is designed in such a way that the best economy class seats are in the tenth row: B, C, D and E. Passenger comfort is achieved by easily reclining seats and large legroom. But hand luggage will have to be placed under your feet, since there is no space under the seats for it. This situation will make access to escape hatches difficult. It is better not to buy tickets for the ninth and tenth rows for passengers with children and the elderly. The safest seats on this plane are in the fourth and eleventh rows, as they are located next to the emergency exits.

Other interior features

The outer seats of the twenty-fourth row can be very uncomfortable due to their close proximity to the toilet stalls. It is worth preparing in advance for a constant crowd of people around the seats. The seats in the last, twenty-fifth row are considered the most uncomfortable on the plane. In addition to the smell from the toilet, constant movement, the sound of the tank draining and slamming stall doors, people sitting in the last row will not be able to recline their chair back.

Even the tallest passengers may feel uncomfortable on this plane. This is due not only to turbulence, but also to the technical nuances of the airliner. However, despite these shortcomings, the A320 model is one of the most successful in the world. More than four thousand cars have already been produced, seven more are being prepared for launch.

Development prospects

Although the A320 made its first flight a quarter of a century ago, the aircraft is constantly being modernized. IN currently developers are working on installing new engines that will save fuel by fifteen percent, as well as increase the flight range by 950 km or the payload by two tons. The Airbus 320, whose interior layout is practically no different from its predecessor, received the prefix neo- (new engine options) in its name. According to the company's general director, the new equipment will reduce operating costs by 20%. is preparing for release in 2016. And in just 15 years, Airbus production plans to sell 4,000 units. 670 orders have already been collected for a total quantity of one thousand units. In Russia, the first customer was the airline Transaero.

Summary

The most comfortable aircraft for long flights today is the Airbus 320. The cabin layout, studied in detail before purchasing a ticket, allows you to determine a comfortable place for the flight. The overall impressions of the time spent on the plane depend on this. No. 4 (A, B, E, F) and No. 11 (B, C, D, E) are the safest seats on the Airbus 320 airliner. The S7 interior diagram demonstrates this in detail.

This model of airliner is produced by the Airbus aircraft manufacturing association. The improved design includes a fairly large number of 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. It with full tanks fuel.
• 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 in the case of a cabin layout 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 a 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 fuel-efficient engines. Emissions will be significantly reduced harmful substances and noise level. 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 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. Passengers will now be able to easily accommodate 10% more carry-on luggage 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 pledged to supply customers with 1,029 A320 aircraft. total amount of all orders amounted to almost 70 billion dollars. This figure made the airliner the most popular in the world.

In 1981, Airbus Industrie began work on projects for two aircraft with a capacity of 154 and 172 seats. As a result, the Airbus A320 100 and Airbus A320 200 aircraft were developed. Initially, 21 airliners were launched into the sky.

Airbus A320

A few years later, the project was reduced to one model, but in two versions; the differences mainly concerned the volume of fuel tanks and the capacity of the passenger compartment (150 or 180 seats). Thus, both names have survived to this day.

The consortium pays close attention to both improving the technical capabilities of airbuses and meeting the needs of passengers. Today, the Airbus A320 (100-200) is rightfully considered one of the leaders in air transportation.

The difference between the Airbus A320-100/200 is the variety of the latest developments:

• the use of composite materials made it possible to reduce the weight of the structure while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties;
• a fly-by-wire control system replaced the steering wheels;
• additional fuel tanks (the main difference between the Airbus A320 200 and the A320-100).

Currently, Airbus also continues to modernize its aircraft:

• Sharklets- the tips of an airplane's wings, which got their name because of their shape, similar to a shark's fin. This design allows the lifting forces of the aircraft to be distributed as optimally as possible. When equipped with sharklets, the flight range of the aircraft increases by 185 km, fuel consumption decreases by 4%, and the load capacity is 450 kg;
• NewEngine Option (Neo)— a program aimed at equipping the Airbus A320-100 -200 with new economical power plants;
• Installation of DVRs in the cockpit- currently time is running discussion of such innovation. This measure is designed to increase the safety of passengers and crew of the aircraft;
• Interior design is also regularly updated according to passenger needs and safety requirements.

Main characteristics of the Airbus A320 aircraft

• Length (m): 37.57;
• Height (m): 11;
• Width (m): 3.7;
• Wingspan (m): 34.1;
• Maximum take-off weight (t): 77;
• Maximum speed km/h: 840;
• Capacity (persons): 150-180;
• Flight range (km): 6150;
• Fuel tanks (l): 30000;
• Fuel consumption (l/h): 2700;
• Emergency exits: 4;
• Main exits: 4.

The design of the A320 aircraft cabin is distinguished by special attention to maximum comfort for both passengers and the entire crew:

• wide cabin;
• comfortable, well-thought-out seats for the Airbus A320 crew commander and co-pilot;
• The increased cargo space makes loading luggage easier.

Airbus interior diagram

Photo	Name	Characteristic
	Salon	Modern finishing of the spacious interior with panels; business class and economy class cabins are separated by partitions
	Shelves for hand luggage	Spacious and convenient shelves for hand luggage
	Touchscreen	Flight Attendant Panel
	LED lightening	All passenger seats are equipped with LED lights
	Whole interior lighting	Brightness adjustable from 0 to 100%
	Business Class	12 seats, 2 chairs each. First five rows. The backs of business class seats recline far, without creating any inconvenience for other passengers. It is also possible to install a baby cradle. Minus - little legroom
	Economy class	138 seats, 3 chairs each. Just like in business class, the backrests of the seats recline completely, but there is less space and therefore not as spacious. The first row of economy class is not equipped with displays
	Emergency exits	Located between the rows of economy class in the middle of the cabin. Seats located next to the emergency exit either do not recline at all or have limitations.
	Toilet	Toilets are located at the beginning and end of the cabin

Best places

As you know, there are many models of the Airbus A320, the main ones being 320-100-200. Accordingly, the number of business and economy class rows and their numbering may not be the same. When choosing the most comfortable place, it is recommended to focus on the location of partitions, emergency exits and technical rooms. All necessary information easy to find on the aircraft cabin diagram:

• Rows 1-5. Business class, the name itself speaks for itself - these are the most comfortable seats on the plane;
• 6th row. First row of economy class: there are no displays, passengers have to look at the partition the entire flight - in this case it is better to think in advance about how to occupy yourself during the flight. It's a bit cramped, there's no way to fully stretch your legs. As compensation, passengers in these seats receive food and drinks first;
• 9, 10, 11 rows. We are talking about rows located at emergency exits. Since there are several configurations of the Airbus 320, the location of emergency exits may not be the same - the row must be clarified during registration. There is enough room to stretch your legs and relax, but the degree of recline of the seats is limited, or the seats do not recline at all. In addition, the places at the emergency exit differ more high degree airflow, a blanket may be needed;

Places near the emergency exit have a higher degree of ventilation.

• 26 row. There is a toilet at the tail of the plane, which entails almost continuous movement of people around the cabin. Of course, passengers will pass by the seats in this row most often;
• 27 row. Last row in the cabin. The backs of the seats in this row do not recline; in addition, there are inconveniences from the nearby toilet;
• Window seats. Here, there is the least chance that neighbors will disturb you, but you won’t be able to leave such a place unnoticed. On the other hand, there is the opportunity to enjoy the view of the clouds;
• Aisle seats. You can stretch your legs into the aisle, making it easier to get up if necessary. In addition, from such a place it is easier and faster to get to the exit when landing. However, there is a high probability of inconvenience from passing passengers and flight attendants;
• Places in the middle. You can't say that these are bad or good places, it all depends on the neighbors;
• Seats at the back of the plane. Considered the safest. According to statistics, in case of plane crashes, the passengers sitting in the last rows are more likely to be saved.

Airbus A320 crashes

A320 aircraft have been flying all over the world since 1987 and are rightly considered not only the most comfortable, but also the most reliable. According to statistics, most of the crashes occurred due to human factor, or due to weather conditions, and not at all due to a malfunction of the airbus itself. Over all the years of operation, only 31 A320-200/100 aircraft crashed. Below is a list of the most famous Airbus A320 accidents.

Photos of A320-100/200 aircraft

Sharklets

"Sidestick" in the cockpit - located along left hand from the aircraft commander and right hand from the co-pilot; is responsible for the roll of the liner.

Main settings

When choosing tickets on short and medium-haul airlines, you will probably see that the carrier uses the Airbus A320 . These narrow-body airliners are in the fleets of Aeroflot, Ural Airlines and foreign companies. But for maximum convenience, you need to choose the right seats. Understand the intricacies to make your trip enjoyable!

Development of the Airbus A320 aircraft

When Airbus began developing the A300 in the late 1960s and first half of the 1970s, it marked the beginning of a new family of aircraft. It was supposed to compete with Boeing and Douglas. The engineers set the task of maintaining the dimensions, but improving the ergonomics and varying the passenger capacity.

The projects that later formed the basis of the design were presented back in 1977. In February 1981, development continued. Airbus collaborated with Delta Air Lines: the carrier wanted to get an aircraft with 150 passenger seats. According to plans, for a distance of 3,440 km, the aircraft was supposed to consume only the fuel in the wing tanks. And since high-capacity airliners were in demand, models with 154 and 172 seats were initially taken into development. The plans were later abandoned and an aircraft capable of carrying 162 passengers was produced. The current A320-100 and A320-200 models (they accommodate up to 180 passengers) retain differences in tank capacity, take-off weight and wingtips, but for travelers there are no significant differences.

Final certification took place in 1988, and since then, based on the original version, the A318, A319 and A321 models have been released.

Design features of the Airbus A320: what to consider

The aircraft is a low-wing aircraft - in such models the wing passes through the lower part of the fuselage. For an aircraft produced in the 80s, it was equipped with technical innovations:

• Cathode-ray screens were installed in the cockpit instead of mechanical dial instruments. These were later replaced by LCD variants.
• Instead of standard steering wheels, pilots use sidesticks. Their actions are processed by computers. Then they transmit commands to hydraulic drives, which carry out the necessary movements. The technology is called Fly by wire. Thanks to this feature, the number of pilots was reduced to 2.
• Passengers will appreciate the comfortable cabin, equipped with shelves for oversized hand luggage. The peculiarities of the liners include the width of the hatches through which luggage is loaded.
• The aircraft is equipped with V250 engines, so during takeoff the noise level does not exceed 82 dB. Silence during operation and power - distinctive features similar engines.

In the 2000s. The designers have introduced improvements:

• interior cladding panels were replaced;
• the volume of shelves where you can put luggage was increased by 11%;
• an information panel with a touch screen appeared;
• Additional lighting was installed above the places where passengers sit.

The manufacturer also updated computers and improved data processing efficiency.

The percentage of composite materials used in construction has also been increased. It makes up more than 20%, and plastic reinforced with glass fiber or carbon fiber is used. As a result, take-off weight and fuel consumption are reduced, which affects the price of tickets.

Technical characteristics of the Airbus A320

Airbus 320 - flight throughout Europe

Initially, aircraft assembly was carried out in France. But demand for the A320 model was growing, so it was necessary to open additional production in Germany and China. Airbus intends to increase the number of aircraft produced to 42 per month. After all, airliners are some of the most comfortable in civil aviation. They are used on flights in Europe, Asia, throughout the United States, as well as for transcontinental flights.

Airbus A320 cockpit

For those wishing to fly on an Airbus A320, photos of the interior will give them an idea of ​​its appearance. But the cabin is no less interesting, although you won’t see it during the flight.

All components are located ergonomically, so the layout has become the standard for Airbus airliners. If we compare appearance and placement of instruments with solutions from a competitor, Boeing, then the main difference will be orderliness.

In the photo you see the following:

• in the upper part there is a visor of the instrument panel;
• to the left and right there are instrument panels that the captain and co-pilot operate;
• in the middle part there is a central panel, below it there is a central console.

Instead of a steering wheel, the captain and co-pilot of the Airbus A320 use sidesticks. In this case, the crew member, before taking control, warns: “I have controls,” and presses the orange button. After that, only his sidestick works.

What does the joystick look like on an Airbus A320

The pilot's seats are ergonomic; they are adjustable not only according to the “closer - further” principle. Pilots set the backrest position and height to ensure maximum seating comfort. The design of the chairs is thought out to the details: you will not see any sharp protruding corners. The cockpit also has a retractable table, oxygen masks for pilots, a fire extinguisher and even a glove compartment for documents.

Have you ever wondered whether it is convenient for a pilot to fly an airplane with his left hand? Aviation experts claim that it’s all a matter of habit.

Video: Airbus A320 - flight from the cockpit

Seat arrangement, seat numbering and cabin layout of the Airbus A320

Several variations are used in the interior layouts, but each is comfortable for passengers. 4-, 5- and 6-bed occupancy is possible, and it is determined by the selected class. You will see 4-seat rows in business class, and 6-seat rows in economy class.

Numbering starts at the head of the aircraft, with business class seats located at the front. According to passenger reviews, the distance between the seats is enough to place luggage and sit comfortably.

The Airbus A320 business class has plenty of legroom

Airbus A320: the best seats and features of their choice

As comfortable as the Airbus A320 cabin is, there are pros and cons to different seats. For example, if you choose a window position, you will be able to admire the views. But you won’t be able to go to the toilet without disturbing your neighbors. But you won’t be disturbed by scurrying flight attendants.

If you choose an aisle seat, going to the toilet will not be difficult. But you will have to let your neighbors through when they want to go out. You won’t be able to look at the landscape through the window (if you are afraid of flying, this will be a plus).

Which row to choose seats in?

The comfort of your trip is also determined by the row you choose to sit in:

Airbus A320 diagram

• Passengers sitting in the 1st row receive food and drinks faster. You don't have to worry that the passenger sitting in front will recline his back and leave you no room. You will also be one of the first to leave the plane. But there are some drawbacks: not everyone likes to look at the wall in front of them during a flight. And the tables, usually attached to the back of the front seat, are located in the armrests. Because of this, they do not move, and the width of the space decreases. But the main disadvantage is that passengers with children fly here.
• The 12th and 13th rows of the Airbus A320 are located next to the emergency exits. As a result, passengers will have more legroom. True, the backrests of the 12th row seats recline less than standard ones, or are completely fixed.

The worst options include seats in the back: the proximity of the toilet and kitchen will not bring pleasure. Backrests with high probability do not recline, like the seats that are located directly in front of the emergency exits.

The information is based on a 180-passenger model and a single-class cabin.

Don't forget that cabin layouts on A320 aircraft may vary, so make allowances for the specifics of the carrier company. If you fly with Aeroflot, the situation is a little different! Pay attention to the nuances so as not to make a mistake.

The best seats at Aeroflot

When flying on an Aeroflot airliner, the best seats are in business class. Compared to the layout of the A330, the seat spacing in the A320 is smaller, but you'll be seated comfortably. The interior diagram will help you determine the location in the A320.

Airbus A320 diagram at Aeroflot

If the cost of business class does not suit you, pay attention to the following nuances:

• The seats in row 6 are good, but they are behind a partition.
• The 8th row turns out to be worse than the standard seats, since the backrests do not recline due to the proximity of the emergency exits.
• The 9th row has both pros and cons. You won't be able to recline the backrest, but there is enough legroom. Not everyone likes places A and F, because they are close to emergency exits.
• 10A and 10F on the Airbus A320 will not cause complaints about lack of space or a fixed backrest. But they are located next to the emergency exit, so they do not have 1 armrest. The remaining seats in the 10th row are classified as superior comfort. But there are restrictions: you cannot place hand luggage under your feet and block the aisles. Tickets for these seats are not sold to passengers with animals or children, as well as people with disabilities. disabilities. After all, the proximity of the emergency exit means that you will not prevent others from leaving the aircraft cabin.
• 24C and 24D are also not very comfortable. They are located at the end of the salon, near the aisle, so people will scurry past on their way to the toilet.

Before purchasing tickets, check the layout of the aircraft cabin. After all, Aeroflot uses 2 variants of the Airbus A320: the differences lie in the number of business class seats.

On Ural Airlines

The airline reserves rows 1-3 for business class, where it is always convenient. Seats from the 4th row are standard economy class; The only difference is the 9th, where, due to the proximity of emergency exits, the backrests cannot be reclined. Check the details when purchasing a ticket!

Airbus A320 cabin diagram: Ural Airlines

In the 10th row, the movement of the backs is also limited, but there is enough legroom. A the best option will become the 11th row, although there is no armrest on A and F.

On S7 flights

S7 Airlines operates 18 aircraft of the model in question. There are 2 classes in the cabin: business for 8 seats and economy for 150. If you choose the latter option, then food service will start from the 3rd row. This means that passengers sitting at the back of the plane may not get the hot food they want.

Airbus A320 cabin layout on S7 flights

In business class they offer separate meals, often individual. It consists of 2 rows, the 3rd is economy, located near the partition. The best seats are in the 11th, although there are restrictions: the passages to the emergency doors cannot be blocked with luggage.

On the Red Wings and Yamal

The Red Wings company uses the A321 models - the embodiment of new developments in the A320 family:

• There are 7 rows allocated for business class.
• The 8th will please you with the presence of space that allows you to stretch your legs. There are no problems with choosing a hot dish.
• If you are lucky enough to buy tickets for seats in the 20th, there will be no complaints about convenience.

There are also airliners of the A320 type in the fleet of the Yamal carrier: 2 rows are occupied by business class, and the best budget seats are in the 11th row.

The worst seats on the Airbus A320

The worst seats are traditionally those on the side in the penultimate row and everyone in the last. Location plays a role, but the fact that after landing you can still 10 minutes. do not leave the chair. You will be able to get off the plane only after letting all passengers pass.

But if you prefer to do without neighbors, then keep in mind that the seats at the back of the plane are booked last.

Other nuances: economy class cabin details

You should choose seats on the Airbus A320 taking into account your preferences and flight conditions. For example, a location near the toilet is considered uncomfortable. But you won’t have to stand in line if you need to visit the bathroom.

Those who are not afraid of flying and want to get likes for their Instagram photos choose window seats. But you will only be able to admire the views on a day flight in sunny weather. If you travel at night, there will be fewer advantages. In addition, in most salons you will not see a panorama from seats 15-20 rows away: it will be blocked by the wing. You just don't have to let your neighbors through when they want to use the restroom. But you won’t be able to get out without disturbing others.

Foreign airlines also offer economy plus tickets, where there is more legroom and access to power outlets.

Passengers who choose seats C and D will get up to use the toilet without having to ask their neighbors to let them through. This option is suitable for parents flying with children. The downside is that you will have to let other travelers through.

If you're traveling with small children, ask for a seat immediately after business class. At Aeroflot they are usually reserved for those flying with a child. This option is not available for online check-in, so get to the airport early: they unlock almost immediately before your flight. Unable to get tickets? When looking for an alternative, do not choose seats near the wing, otherwise you will be disturbed by increased engine noise during the flight.

Are you flying for the first time and don’t understand the intricacies? Ask an airline employee for advice.

Conclusion

The Airbus A320 aircraft is one of the most common models in the world. Although it was released in the 80s. last century, thanks to modernization, the airliner remains comfortable even for long flights. If you choose the right places, you will be satisfied with your trip!

Find cheap plane tickets without leaving your home: