Airbus A320 - Second biggest selling airline
The Airbus A320 is part of a larger “family” of jets including the A300, A310, A330, A340, A350, and the Airbus A380. There are more than 3,000 A320s in use, making it the second best selling airliner of all time. Only the Boeing 737 sells more than the A320 family. Airbus attempted to produce the A320 on the heels of its highly successful A300 model. It had the features of the popular Boeing 727, but far more advanced technology. Some of the advances included in the early A300s were:
• Digital technology instead of analog
• Greater centre of gravity
• Glass cockpit
• Two person flight deck
• 50% reduction in fuel consumption
Airbus A320 - Revolutionay technology
Airbus A320 was the first airliner to use fly-by-wire flight control. In other words, the A320 was the first airliner controlled largely by computers. This was a huge advance as it reduced the weight load the jet had to carry in terms of wires, bypasses, and secondary controls. Fly-by-wire controls significantly contributed to the A320’s reduced fuel requirements. Part of the reason that the Airbus A320 family has been so successful is its versatility. The above features, together with spacious cargo holds and large doors, make it a favorite of international airlines such as Northwest Airlines and British Airways. On the other hand, its low maintenance costs also appeal to budget carriers, such as EasyJet, Virgin American, and AirAsia.
Airbus A320 - Moving with the times
More importantly, most jets in the A320 series feature easy upgradability, meaning that they can keep abreast of current advances in avionics technology without necessitating a whole new airliner. With a computer maintenance system, high fuel efficiency, excellent design, and a great track history, the A320 family remains the second most common aircraft in use today.
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