Airbus A320-216

A320 is the pioneer product of the single-aisle family of Airbus. It has typically 150 seats in a two-class cabin but can accommodate up to 180 passengers for charter flights in a high-density layout. It started service in 1988.

It also pioneers the fly-by-wire and side-stick controls. Fly-by-wire controls improve safety, reduce pilot workload, improve smoothness and stability of flight, and minimize mechanical parts. Airbus A320 is packed with advanced technology including weight-saving composites, optimized wing and centralized fault display.

Moreover, it is the first to be delivered with “Sharklets”, a 2.4-meter tall wingtip devices designed to enhance Eco-efficiency and payload range performance. AirAsia is the first to take the delivery of an aircraft with these devices in December 2012. The Airbus A320-216 was certified with engine CFM56-5B6 on June 14, 2006. Currently, it has a total of 11,163 orders with 6,331 deliveries to over 300 operators all around the globe. AirAsia being the largest commercial customer with 184 orders and 157 deliveries. To date, the Aviation Safety Network recorded 54 accidents that involve the A320 aircraft.

Editor’s Note: More facts on AirAsia Indonesia Flight QZ8501 in the next page.