To the untrained eye, an Airbus A320 is simply an A320. However, there are several variants of this best-selling narrow-body jet. The avgeek will be able to identify each aircraft down to the last detail, but to the average passenger, they will all appear to be the same type of Airbus. So, here’s a guide to quickly identifying different Airbus A320 variants.
Local airlines in the Philippines primarily use three basic variants of the A320 family: the A319, the A320, and the A321. Each has its own set of variants, for example, the A321 has an A321-200CEO for Current Engine Option and an A321-200NEO for New Engine Option. This is also true for the A320, which comes in both A320CEO and A320NEO variants. Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly the A321CEO, but their engines are different.
Let us now look at how to properly distinguish between the various A320 variants, from the “CEO” versions to the “NEO,” from the A318 to the A321.
A318, A319, A320, and A321
The A320 family consists of four frames. The A318 has the shortest fuselage length, followed by the A319, A320, and finally the A321 frame. Check their length if you want to quickly identify them.
The fuselage length of the A318, also known as the “baby bus,” is 31.44m, followed by the A319, which is 33.84m. The A320 is the most common variant, with a fuselage length of 37.57m, followed by the A321, which has a fuselage length of 44.51m.
The A320 is the most common variant in the Philippines, where it is operated by five airlines: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines, Royal Air, and Pan Pacific Airlines. Only Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly the A321, while Cebu Pacific and Royal Air used to fly the A319.
So far, Air France is the only known operator of the A318 in the world. The A220-300, on the other hand, will soon replace the A318.
NEO (New Engine Option) versus CEO (Current Engine Option)
The A320neo and A320ceo are the two series of A320s. NEO is an abbreviation for New Engine Option, and CEO is an abbreviation for Current Engine Option. The Pratt & Whitney PW1100G or the CFMI CFM LEAP-1A engines used in the A320 and A321neo are newer generation, larger, and more efficient.
The CFM56 or IAE V2500 turbofan engines power the CEO series. Airbus, on the other hand, no longer sells the “CEO.” PW1100G and CFM LEAP-1A engines are the only options for all A320s.
The engines are the most noticeable difference between the two, and their sizes are different. When comparing the upper and lower photos, the engine of a NEO is significantly larger than that of the CEO. If you look closely at the cowlings, you will notice that their shapes differ from one another.
Only Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly the A321neo in the Philippines. Cebu Pacific is the sole operator of the A320neo. The CEO series is used by all other airlines that fly Airbus planes. However, AirAsia will resume delivery of A321neos in 2023, and I am confident that AirAsia Philippines will receive theirs soon.
How would you know if you are flying on a NEO or CEO?
Even if you couldn’t see the plane, you’d be able to tell if you were on a CEO or NEO when the aircraft takes off. The A320/321ceo engines are somewhat loud and have a distinct whine. The A320/321neo is relatively quiet, and a high-pitched tone is heard during spool-up. During startup, the NEO also makes a deep mooing sound. The video below shows a sound comparison.
All of this should help you identify the various Airbus A320 variants and series simply by looking at them. Aside from the wingfences, engines, and length, have you noticed any other obvious differences? Please leave them in the comments section.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
TAROM still fly YR-ASD as an airline A318.
The original A320s did not have wing fences at all.
The high seat density A319 has a double overwing exit on each side, lower density only has one.
The A318 has a taller tail.
The original A320s for India had different main gear layout.