How to Recognize an Airbus A320 Family Aircraft

Spot the nose. The most distinctive feature of the A320 family is its nose. Unlike the Boeing 737, the nose is rounded and slightly smaller than its Boeing counterpart. Positioned at the front of the aircraft just below the flight deck windows, the nose stands out with its rounded shape. It protrudes slightly in front of the main flight deck window.

Recognize the Wings and Winglets. Wings on an A320 family aircraft have a slight curve backward. They extend straight out of the fuselage before slightly angling backward. Locate the flaps, two on each wing, one long and one short, which extend and retract during takeoff and landing. A320 family aircraft come with two types of winglets: standard and sharklets. Standard winglets, small and arrow-shaped, are situated at the wingtips, while sharklets are longer and bend upward at the wing's end. Though rare, some A320s may lack winglets altogether.

Spot the Engines.

A320 family aircraft employ two main types of engines. The A319, A320, and A321 use two CFM56 turbofan engines, located beneath the wings on either side of the fuselage. Alternatively, the A318 and occasionally the A319 are equipped with two Pratt & Whitney PW6000 engines. Notable for their flower-like engine spoilers during reverse thrust, each engine features four sides that bloom or extend into a flower-like shape.

Determine the A320 Family Variant. The A320 family comprises four primary variants: the discontinued A318, primarily used for private purposes; the slightly larger A319, utilized for both passenger and private use; the standard A320, the primary passenger aircraft; and the elongated A321. To discern the variant, examine the fuselage's size: smaller, shorter fuselages indicate A318 or A319, while medium-sized fuselages belong to the A320. Longer, thinner fuselages denote the A321 variant.

Identify the Operator. The A320 family operates under numerous airlines worldwide, spanning all continents. Begin by determining if the operator flies the A320. A comprehensive list of operators is available here. Major operators include British Airways, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, EasyJet (entirely A320 fleet), Alaska Airlines, China Eastern, and China Southern, among others.

Locate the Registration. Finding the aircraft's registration is crucial for identification. Typically located at the rear of the fuselage, just ahead of the tail, the registration provides vital information about the aircraft. Record the registration and conduct an online search using platforms like FlightAware, JetPhotos, or FlightRadar24 for further details.

Spot the Engines. Although the A320NEO family resembles the standard A320 family, significant engine differences set them apart. The NEO variants can be equipped with two distinct engine types, depending on customer preferences: the PurePower PW1100G-JM by Pratt and Whitney, and the LEAP-1A by CFM International. Both are turbofan engines. The PurePower engine appears larger and more robust, resembling a cylinder shape, while the LEAP-1A is slightly smaller and tapers towards the rear.

Listen for the Sound. Distinguish the A320NEO family by its notably quieter engine noise. Record the aircraft's sound and compare it to that of a standard A320 family aircraft. If the noise level is similar or slightly lower, it's likely a regular A320. Conversely, if it's quieter, it's probably an A320NEO family aircraft.

Identify the Operator. Various operators utilize the NEO family aircraft. Note the operator for future reference. An extensive list of NEO family operators is available here. Some prominent operators include Spirit Airlines, Air China, EasyJet, and Air India, among others.

Find the Registration. Simply locate the aircraft's registration at the rear of the plane, just before the tail. Record the registration and conduct further research. Online platforms like FlightAware, JetPhotos, or FlightRadar24 can assist in gathering additional information.