How to Identify an Airbus A320 Family Aircraft

The Airbus A320 family is among the most common and recognizable aircraft in the world, often used for short to medium-haul flights. Identifying one can be an exciting task for aviation enthusiasts. This guide will help you distinguish standard A320 models from the newer A320NEO family variants.

Method 1: Identifying a Standard A320 Family Aircraft

1. Observe the Nose

• The A320 family has a rounded nose with a subtle protrusion.
• It is more compact and rounded compared to the sharper, more angular nose of a Boeing 737.

2. Examine the Wings and Winglets

• Wing Shape: Wings curve slightly backward after extending straight out of the fuselage.
• Winglets:
  • Standard Winglets: Small, triangular extensions pointing upward and slightly downward (arrow-like).
  • Sharklets: Modern winglets are taller and curve upward at a steep angle.
  • No Winglets: Some older models may lack winglets altogether. How to Identify an Airbus A320 Family Aircraft

3. Inspect the Engines

• CFM56 Engines: Common on A319, A320, and A321 models. These engines are cylindrical and mounted under the wings.
• PW6000 Engines: Found on A318s and some A319s, notable for their “blooming” spoilers during reverse thrust.

4. Determine the Variant by Size

• A318: The shortest fuselage (32 meters / 104 feet).
• A319: Slightly longer than the A318 (33.8 meters / 111 feet).
• A320: The most common variant with a medium fuselage (37.5 meters / 123 feet).
• A321: The longest in the family (44.5 meters / 146 feet).

5. Identify the Operator

• Look for the airline’s livery and cross-check operators known to fly the A320 family. Popular operators include:
  • British Airways
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • EasyJet

6. Note the Registration Number

• Found near the tail, just before the vertical stabilizer.
• Use tracking tools like FlightRadar24 or FlightAware to identify the specific model by registration.

Method 2: Identifying the A320NEO Family

The A320NEO family is the updated version of the A320, offering improved fuel efficiency and quieter engines.

1. Inspect the Engines

• PurePower PW1100G-JM (Pratt & Whitney): Larger, bulkier, and cylindrical.
• LEAP-1A (CFM International): Smaller and more streamlined toward the rear.

2. Listen to the Sound

• A320NEO engines are quieter than those on standard A320s.
• Record and compare engine noise to determine if it’s a NEO model.

3. Check the Operator

• Operators of the A320NEO include:
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Air India
  • EasyJet

4. Verify the Registration

• Look for the registration near the tail. Services like FlightRadar24 will confirm if the aircraft belongs to the NEO family.

Tips for Identification

• Use binoculars or a camera for better visibility when spotting at a distance.
• Note unique airline liveries, which can provide clues about the specific variant.
• Keep a notebook or app to jot down details like registration numbers for future reference.

By focusing on specific features like the nose shape, winglets, engines, and size, you can confidently identify any Airbus A320 family aircraft.