Airbus A320neo vs A321neo

By: Rocco

Comparing the Airbus A320neo vs the Airbus A321neo Sharklet? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Airbus A320neo
Mid Size Passenger Jets
Airbus A320neo
ICAO: A20N Status: Active Visit aircraft page
Airbus A321neo Sharklet
Mid Size Passenger Jets
Airbus A321neo Sharklet
ICAO: A21N Status: Active IATA: 32Q Visit aircraft page

General

Units
Airbus A320neo
Manufacturer
Airbus
ICAO code
A20N
IATA code
Produced
2014–Present
Price
$110 million (2018)
Engine
2 × Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1100G-JM / CFM International’s LEAP-1A
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 27,120 lbf · 121 kN -18% (total)
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
194
Airbus A321neo Sharklet
Manufacturer
Airbus
ICAO code
A21N
IATA code
32Q
Produced
2016–Present
Price
$115 million (2012)
Engine
2 × CFM International LEAP-1A
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 33,110 lbf · 147 kN +22% (total)
Wing tips
Blended tips
Seats
244

Dimensions

Airbus A320neo
Cabin width
12 ft 2 in 3.70 m 12 ft 2 in 3.70 m 0%
Cabin length
90 ft 3 in 27.51 m 90 ft 3 in 27.51 m -20%
Exterior length
123 ft 3 in 37.57 m 123 ft 3 in 37.57 m -16%
Tail height
38 ft 7 in 11.76 m 38 ft 7 in 11.76 m 0%
Fuselage diameter
13 ft 0 in 3.95 m 13 ft 0 in 3.95 m 0%
Wing span
117 ft 5 in 35.80 m 117 ft 5 in 35.80 m 0%
Baggage volume
121 ft 5 in 37.00 m 121 ft 5 in 37.00 m -37%
Airbus A321neo Sharklet
Cabin width
12 ft 2 in 3.70 m 12 ft 2 in 3.70 m 0%
Cabin length
113 ft 0 in 34.44 m 113 ft 0 in 34.44 m +25%
Exterior length
146 ft 0 in 44.51 m 146 ft 0 in 44.51 m +18%
Tail height
38 ft 7 in 11.76 m 38 ft 7 in 11.76 m 0%
Fuselage diameter
13 ft 0 in 3.95 m 13 ft 0 in 3.95 m 0%
Wing span
117 ft 5 in 35.80 m 117 ft 5 in 35.80 m 0%
Baggage volume
193 ft 7 in 59.00 m 193 ft 7 in 59.00 m +59%

Weights

Airbus A320neo
Max payload
44,100 lb 20,000 kg 44,100 lb 20,000 kg -22%
Fuel capacity
7,060 gal 26,725 L 7,060 gal 26,725 L -19%
Max takeoff weight
174,000 lb 79,000 kg 174,000 lb 79,000 kg -19%
Max landing weight
148,500 lb 67,500 kg 148,500 lb 67,500 kg -16%
Airbus A321neo Sharklet
Max payload
56,000 lb 25,500 kg 56,000 lb 25,500 kg +28%
Fuel capacity
8,700 gal 32,933 L 8,700 gal 32,933 L +23%
Max takeoff weight
214,000 lb 97,000 kg 214,000 lb 97,000 kg +23%
Max landing weight
176,500 lb 80,000 kg 176,500 lb 80,000 kg +19%

Performance

Airbus A320neo
Max cruise speed
473 kt · 544 mph 876 km/h 473 kt 544 mph 876 km/h 0%
Approach speed
Rate of climb
Range
3,400 nm · 3,910 mi 6,300 km 3,400 nm 3,910 mi 6,300 km -15%
Service ceiling
39,800 ft 12,100 m 39,800 ft 12,100 m -1%
Takeoff distance
6,400 ft 1,950 m 6,400 ft 1,950 m -12%
Landing distance
Airbus A321neo Sharklet
Max cruise speed
473 kt · 544 mph 876 km/h 473 kt 544 mph 876 km/h 0%
Approach speed
140 kt · 161 mph 259 km/h 140 kt 161 mph 259 km/h
Rate of climb
2,500 ft/min 13 m/s 2,500 ft/min 13 m/s
Range
4,000 nm · 4,600 mi 7,410 km 4,000 nm 4,600 mi 7,410 km +18%
Service ceiling
40,000 ft 12,200 m 40,000 ft 12,200 m +1%
Takeoff distance
7,250 ft 2,210 m 7,250 ft 2,210 m +13%
Landing distance
5,250 ft 1,600 m 5,250 ft 1,600 m

When it comes to commercial airliners, Airbus is one of the most popular manufacturers in the world. The A-320 and A-321 are two of their most popular models. So, which one should you choose for your business?

In this article, we will compare the features and specifications of both planes to help you decide.

Airbus A320

The Airbus A-320 is a short to medium-range, single-aisle commercial jet. It is the first in the A320 family of aircraft. The A-320 has a bunch of features that sets it apart from its competitors. It was the first commercial jet to have an electronic fly-by-wire flight control system.

This means that there are no hydraulic systems, making the A-320 much lighter than other jets at the time. The A-320 also has a side stick controller instead of a yoke(the thing you would normally grasp with your hands to control an airplane). Side stick controllers are used in most modern fighter jets because they free up space in the cockpit and allow for a better view for the pilot.

The final major feature of the A-320 is that it was designed to be flown by a two-person crew instead of the traditional three-person crew.

The extra person was eliminated by automating many of the things that the third person would do, like monitoring engine performance and operating some of the switches in the cockpit.

Why was the Airbus A320 developed?

The Airbus A-320 was developed in the 1980s by the European aviation consortium Airbus Industrie. The consortium was formed in 1974 to compete with American manufacturer Boeing, which had enjoyed a virtual monopoly on the commercial aircraft market.

The A-320 was designed to be a direct competitor to Boeing’s 737, and it incorporated many of the same features, including a two-crew cockpit and an all-aluminum airframe. However, the A-320 also featured some innovative design elements, such as a fly-by-wire control system and fuel-efficient engines.

What purpose does the Airbus A320 serve?

The Airbus A-320 is a popular choice for airlines around the world. Its versatile design makes it well-suited for a variety of routes, and its fuel efficiency makes it an attractive option for airlines looking to reduce their operating costs.

The A-320 is a reliable workhorse that has helped to transform the aviation industry over the past few decades. Thanks to its efficient design and advanced technologies, the A-320 has helped to make flying more affordable and accessible than ever before.

Today, the A-320 is an essential part of the global aviation network, connecting people and cultures around the world.

Airbus A321

The Airbus A321 is a twin-engine, single-aisle airplane that was first introduced in 1987. It is the largest member of the Airbus A320 family and can seat up to 185 passengers. The A321 has a range of 3,100 nautical miles, making it well-suited for short to medium-haul routes.

One of the most notable features of the A321 is its fuel efficiency. Thanks to its advanced engines and aerodynamic design, the A321 uses 20% less fuel than similar airplanes.

As a result, it produces fewer emissions and has a smaller environmental impact. In addition to its fuel efficiency, the A321 also offers a high level of passenger comfort.

Why was the Airbus A321 developed?

The A321 was designed to meet the needs of airlines that were looking for a more efficient way to operate their single-aisle fleets. The A321 has a range of 3,700 kilometers and can accommodate up to 186 passengers. Today, the A321 is operated by some major airlines around the world, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

What purpose does the Airbus A321 serve?

The Airbus A-321 is a popular choice for airlines in the European aviation industry due to its size and range. The aircraft is typically used on short-haul routes, making it ideal for airlines that operate within Europe.

The A-321 also has a variety of other features that make it a popular choice among airlines, such as its fuel efficiency and low operating costs. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with advanced safety features, including an escape chute and emergency lighting.

Resultingly, the A-321 is a versatile aircraft that is well-suited for the European aviation industry.

Differences Between the Airbus A320 & Airbus A321

Airbus A-320 and Airbus A-321 are two aircraft models that have many differences. The A-320 is a short to medium-range, single-aisle aircraft while the A-321 is a medium to long-range, single-aisle aircraft.

The A-320 has a length of 37.57 meters while the A-321 has a length of 44.51 meters. The A-320 has a wingspan of 35.8 meters while the A-321 has a wingspan of 36.5 meters. The A-320 has a maximum take-off weight of 79,015 kg while the A-321 has a maximum take-off weight of 97,000 kg.

The range of the A-320 is 6,100 km while the range of the A-321 is 7,400 km. Finally, the cruise speed of the A-320 is 828 km/h and the cruise speed of the A-321 is 833 km/h.

Similarities Between the Airbus A320 & Airbus A321

The Airbus A-320 and the Airbus A-321 are two very popular models of aircraft.

Though they have some key differences, the A-320 and A-321 share many similarities as well. Both are twin-engine aircraft that seat between 150 and 185 passengers. They have similar flight controls and instrumentation, making them easy for pilots to transition between the two types of aircraft. In addition, both models have an identical cockpit layout, which makes for a smooth transition for pilots who are certified to fly both types of aircraft.

Airbus A320: The Better

Airbus A-320 is better than Airbus A-321 for different reasons. One reason is that the A-320 has a longer range. This is because the A-320 has more fuel tanks, which means it can fly for a longer time before needing to stop to refuel. Another reason is that the A-320 can carry more passengers. This is because the A-320 has a wider body, which means it can fit more seats.

Finally, the A-320 is more efficient. This is because the A-320 uses less fuel per passenger mile than the A-321.

Airbus A321: The Better

The Airbus A-321 is a stretched version of the popular A-320, and it offers several advantages over its shorter sibling. First, the A-321 has a larger fuel capacity, which gives it a longer range and makes it ideal for long-haul flights. Additionally, the A-321 features larger engines than the A-320, which results in reduced engine noise and improved fuel efficiency.

Finally, the A-321 also has a larger cabin, which provides more space for passengers and luggage.

Conclusion: A320 vs A321

In conclusion, the A-320 and A-321 are two popular aircraft models that both have their advantages and disadvantages. The A-320 is better suited for short to medium-range flights due to its larger passenger capacity and longer range. On the other hand, the A-321 is better suited for long-haul flights due to its greater fuel capacity, larger engines, and a larger cabin. Ultimately, which aircraft is better depends on your specific needs as an airline.