The A320 was the model aircraft for Airbus that rocked the company into a household name. With more than 400 orders before the aircraft even took flight (especially compared to the earlier A300 that only had 15 orders), the A320 series would quickly become a staple product for the company. However, only one year after the A320 family launched, Airbus announced a further derivative of their classic aircraft, the A321. Which one is better? Let’s take a look.
Going up against each other are the classic A320 and the A321. Additionally, do the new versions of both that have hit the market (neo or new engine option versions) still compete on the same level?
What models are there in the A320 family?
Let us start by outlining the various models of the A320 family in a 2-class setting.
A318
Passengers: 107
Range: 3,100 NM (5,741 km)
A319
Passengers: 124
Range: 3,750 NM (6,945 km)
A320
Passengers: 150
Range: 3,300 NM (6,112 km)
A321
Passengers: 185
Range: 3,200 NM (5,926 km)
The New Engine Option
Also, for the sake of clarity here is the same table for the neo versions in a 2 class setting.
A319neo
Passengers: 140
Range: 3,750 NM (6,950 km)
A320neo
Passengers: 165
Range: 3,500 NM (6,500 km)
A321neo
Passengers: 206
Range: 4,000 NM (7,400 km)
A321LR
Passengers: 220
Range: 4,100 NM (7,600 km)
The above specifications highlight the differences between the two models, we can see that whilst the A320 carries fewer passengers than the A321, it has a better range (although has nothing on the A319). The A320neo, however, does not compete with the bigger A321neo with its larger capacity and greater range.
On these numbers above, it is clear that the new A321neo is the best aircraft in the Airbus family (and perhaps the A321LR also gives them a run for their money).
Following the positive feedback of the series, Airbus has also launched the A321XLR to complement its beloved A321neo family. The company states that this aircraft the next evolutionary step which responded to market needs for even more range.
Notably, the jet creates more value for the carriers by bringing 30% lower fuel burn per seat than previous-generation competitor planes. When introduced this decade, the the XLR will provide an unprecedented range of up to 4,700 NM. This figure is 15% greater than the A321LR and with the same fuel efficiency.
“With this added range, airlines will be able to operate a lower-cost single-aisle aircraft on longer and less heavily travelled routes – many of which can now only be served by larger and less efficient wide-body aircraft,” Airbus said in a press release seen by Simple Flying.
“This will enable operators to open new world-wide routes such as India to Europe or China to Australia, as well as further extending the Family’s non-stop reach on direct transatlantic flights between continental Europe and the Americas. For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on long-haul widebody aircraft.”
So, this Airbus narrowbody can easily fly routes such as Montreal, Canada-Split Croatia. Therefore, it could be the greatest member of the A320 series when entered into service.
As for the older aircraft, if you want range you go with the A319 if you want capacity you chose the A321, but if you want that sweet spot in the middle then the A320 is your best bet. Although we would argue that 100 nmi is hardly a justification to not choose the A321 over the A320. But below we do consider another reason.
Which aircraft is more popular?
But all these facts might be moot until we understand which of these aircraft are more popular with each airline. Here are the total orders and deliveries as of February 2020.
A318
Orders: 80
Deliveries: 80
A319
Orders: 1,489
Deliveries: 1,470
A320
Orders: 4,770
Deliveries: 4,652
A321
Orders: 1,800
Deliveries: 1,687
As we can see, most airlines actually chose the middle ground, the A320. This aircraft easily got more than double the orders than the A321.
As for the Neo versions:
A319neo
Orders: 56
Deliveries: 0
A320neo
Orders: 4,101
Deliveries: 356
A321neo
Orders: 1,985
Deliveries: 78
It seems the pattern continues. The A320neo in its later form is still just as popular and easily beats the A320 in terms of orders. This may have something to do with the fact that both the A321 and the A321neo is around another $20 million extra than the A320 and A320neo
It depends on the circumstances
Altogether, the choice of which aircraft to take on depends on the requirements of the airline. In a healthy market when carriers need the extra capacity, the A321 would be the perfect choice.
For instance, during the middle of the last decade, American Airlines made the decision to gradually replace many of its A320 with the A321s. Forbes reports that this move was based on a period when the majority of airlines in the US were filling in every seat.
However, today, the industry is in a completely different climate. The global health crisis has taken its toll on the aviation market across the globe. Travel restrictions and passenger concerns have forced the suspension of countless flights, which have in turn caused the long-term grounding of many aircraft.
Several airlines are struggling to fill aircraft unless they operate a skeleton service. Subsequently, the capacity of the A320 may be more suitable for a number of carriers in the current conditions. Overall, in an age when airlines are increasingly becoming conscious when it comes to efficiency, the option that meets demand on the spot would be best.
Which is your favorite A320 aircraft? Would you like to see a comparison for the 737 family? Let us know in the comments!