Airbus a321 interior layout: the best seats Aeroflot. Cabin layout and the best seats on the Airbus A321 aircraft of the Ural Airlines A321 best seats

Ural Airlines is one of the largest airlines in Russia, which transports passengers within the country and abroad. The company's fleet includes only three types of aircraft: Airbus A319, A320 and A321. In total, the fleet includes 43 aircraft, 13 of them are Airbus A321.

Specifications

The Airbus A321 was released in 1994 and is the next in the generation of the A320 family of fast-fueled airliners, designed for medium and short-range flights. The main difference is that it is extended by almost 7 m and can accommodate more seats compared to the A320 and A319.

Main technical characteristics of the Airbus A321:

Wingspan – from 34.1 m to 35.8 m
Interior length – 34.4 m
Cabin width – 3.7 m
Maximum speed – up to 890 km/h
Flight range – from 5,000 km to 5,900 km
Number of seats – up to 236
Maximum take-off weight – 89,000 kg
Airliner length – 44.5 m
Cruising speed – 840 km/h

Airbus industry A321 Ural Airlines cabin layout

There are many modifications of the Airbus 321 cabin layout. The airline operates only one version with 220 seats (you can see the layout in the photo below). Let's look at the best seats on this plane to take when buying a ticket.

This carrier option does not offer business class. Only economical available. There are generally 3 seats on each side of the plane.

1 row located behind the emergency exits, which provides these seats with additional free space in front. No one will press you with the back of the chair, since there are no neighbors in front. Passenger service begins from this row. But noise may be heard from the kitchen and bathrooms, which are located in front of the passenger compartment.

10 row– the row in front of the emergency exit, like 24 A, F and 25 B, C, D, E. The disadvantage of these rows is the fixed backs of the seats, which makes a long flight quite uncomfortable.

Seats B, C, D, E row 11 are located after the emergency exit and are convenient because they have more legroom than standard seats.

12 row seats A, F They have a lot of free space in the front, due to the absence of seats A and F in the 11th row.

26 row located in the same way as 11 - after the emergency exits and has the same advantages.

Seats at emergency exits are not available to all categories of passengers. Passengers cannot fly on them:

with kids;
children, unaccompanied by adults;
disabled people;
foreigners who do not speak Russian or English.

Also, passengers flying in such seats will be read additional safety rules by air carrier employees. When flying, you cannot place things near the seats; they must be stored on the top shelf.

37 row seats A, B, C and 38 row - E, F– last seats in the passenger compartment. They are located in front of the toilets. Discomfort during the flight will be caused by an unpleasant odor, extraneous sounds and the accumulation of passengers near these places. And also, the back of the chairs is completely or partially not movable.

Best places

1st row – all seats;
11th row – B, C, D, E;
Row 26 – all seats.

Worst places

10th row – all seats;
24 row – A, F;
25 row – B, C, D, E;
37 row – A, B, C;
Row 38 – E, F.

The nose of an airliner is considered the most successful for flight, since here the noise from the aircraft's engines is less audible and passenger service begins from this part.

The middle part of the plane should be chosen by passengers who get motion sickness or have problems with aerophobia - there is less chatter here and the least amount of turbulence is felt.

The tail part of the airliner is considered the most uncomfortable. This is caused by the narrowing of the cabin, the proximity of the bathrooms and the strong noise of the engines. But this part of the cabin is the safest. According to statistics, more passengers who were flying in that part of the plane survive plane crashes. You can also ask the air carrier employees for an encore of lunch.

The seats by the windows are seats A, F. They are chosen by those passengers who prefer to enjoy the view from the window during the flight, sleep and not get up from the chair, as this will be difficult to do - you will need to disturb two neighbors.

If you prefer to admire the beautiful views from the window during your flight, you should be aware that emergency exit seats may not have a window. And rows 11 to 19 are located above the wings of the aircraft, which limits visibility.

Aisle seats – C, D, you need to choose if you want to move around a lot during the flight. Here you can stretch your legs. But, sitting in these places, it will be difficult to take a normal nap. People passing by may touch you.

The seats in the middle are B and E. They are considered not comfortable and are taken apart last, when there are no other seats. You will have neighbors on both sides.

If you are flying as a couple, you can take an aisle and window seat in the same row. Chances are that no one will take the middle seat and you will have extra space.

When choosing seats, check out the Ural Airlines cabin layout on the airline's official website. This will help you choose places that suit your preferences. Have a successful and comfortable flight with Airbus A321 and Ural Airlines.

18.12.2019, 18:00 93582

The Airbus A321 is a medium-range, twin-engine airliner developed by the united European concern Airbus S.A.S, whose sole shareholder today is the European Aerospace and Defense Concern (EDSA).

The Airbus A321 is part of the A320 family of narrow-body passenger aircraft designed for medium-haul airlines. This model is the largest in its family - the A321 is longer than the original model, the A320, by almost seven meters, which allows the aircraft to carry 24 percent more passengers. The Airbus A321 has six passenger doors and eight emergency exits located on two sides of the aircraft. It also has a more reinforced chassis. The flight radius, when fully loaded, is the same as that of the youngest member of the family - the Airbus A318.

The plane was not only lengthened compared to the base model. The changes also affected the engines, the power of which was increased. The aircraft's wing was strengthened and designed to withstand higher loads compared to the A320 wing. The performance of the Airbus A321 in terms of noise level, harmful emissions and fuel consumption is almost the same as that of the entire A320 series. The aircraft is equipped with EFIS avionics and a fly-by-wire digital control system, completely identical to the A320 aircraft.

The Airbus A321 development program began in 1989, with the main goal of competing with the American Boeing 737-900ER. The first flight took place on March 11, 1993. Put into operation at the beginning of 1994. It is assembled at a plant located in the small German airport Hamburg-Finkenwerder.

Today, the A321 aircraft is in demand among air carriers and orders for its construction continue to arrive. Currently, Airbus A321 is in the fleet of S7 Airlines, Red Wings, Air Astana, Onur Air, SWISS, etc.

Location and numbering of seats in the cabin, seating diagram on the Airbus A321 aircraft. The best and least comfortable seats on the plane

Interior diagram, lAirbus A321 of Aeroflot airlines

Seats from the 1st and 7th rows are considered a little worse. There is a partition in front of the first row and there is plenty of space, but the proximity to the toilets can be a bit of a concern. And seats in row 7 are close to the noisier economy class.
Seats in the 8th row- seats of increased comfort in economy class. Since the emergency exit is located in front of them, there is plenty of free space for legs. You can get up from any place in this row without disturbing your neighbors. The seats are located at the front of the cabin, so you have a lot of choice when choosing your food (usually food and drinks start from front to back).
18th row seats- standard economy class seats. But the location near the toilets makes them not very comfortable.
Seats in row 19 located behind the emergency exit. Just like in row 8, there is a lot of free legroom, but there are toilets nearby, which makes the flight not very comfortable.
20 row quite convenient. The seats are comfortable and located near the windows. There is a lot of free space, so there is room to stretch your legs and you can stand without disturbing your neighbors.
Seats in row 30, C and D- proximity to toilets can be inconvenient.
31 row (last)- the worst places. The backs of the seats do not recline, as there is a wall immediately behind them. The proximity of the toilet can make the flight uncomfortable due to frequent movement of passengers and slamming doors.

The best seats in the Airbus A321 business class cabin

The best business class seats from 2 to 6 rows. Here the seats are arranged in a 2:2 layout, which increases the space between rows and seats.
The best economy class seats on the Airbus A321

The best seats for economy class on the Airbus A321 are those located in row 8. They are such due to their location - in front of these seats there is only a partition separating business and economy classes, which means there is more than enough legroom. Also some of the best are the places located in row 20(according to the diagram) and indicated by letters A and F. This is due to the lack of seats in front of them, which provides more legroom.

The safest aircraft on the Airbus A321

It is believed that in the Airbus A321 seats No. 19B, No. 19E, No. 8A and No. 8F are the safest as they are located near the emergency exits.

Interior diagram, lbetter and less comfortable seats on the plane Airbus A321 airline "Nord Wind" (North wind)

1 row has pros and cons. On the one hand, no one will tilt the back of their seat towards you, on the other hand, you will be in front of the partition throughout the flight. There will be enough room for your knees, but you won’t be able to stretch your legs forward much. Also, the location of technical rooms (galley and toilet) nearby does not add convenience. However, there is a plus here - you will receive food first.
9F and 23F row. The seat backs are not adjustable, as there is a partition immediately behind them.
10 and24 ABC. The backrests of the seats are not adjustable, as emergency hatches are located immediately behind this row.
10 and 24 DE. The backs of the seats are also blocked, however, the advantage is that there are 2, not 3, seats in this section. This is always convenient, especially if you are flying together.
The most convenient places are rows 11 and 25. They are located immediately after the emergency exits, because of this the distance to the row in front is increased. Therefore, you will not only be able to recline your seat and stretch your legs forward in comfort, but you will also be able to easily leave your seat with minimal disturbance to your neighbors. However, certain categories of passengers cannot be accommodated in these seats: small children and animals, disabled people, elderly passengers. Also, the approaches to the emergency doors must not be cluttered; all your hand luggage will have to be placed on the shelves. This is related to flight safety technology.
Row 36, seats C and D. There may be small queues for the toilet near these places.
37 row(last). The backs of the chairs rest against the wall of the toilet, so they are not adjustable. Also in this row you can clearly hear all the sounds of the toilet (tank flushing, doors slamming) - these are the most uncomfortable, worst seats on board.

Interior diagram, lbetter and less comfortable seats on the plane Airbus A321 airline « Ural Airlines »

First row located quite close to the wall of the toilets, kitchen and to the partition. You will have to sit looking at the wall for the entire flight, and this is not very comfortable. Also, these places are quite noisy due to the kitchen and the close proximity of the toilet. But there is plenty of knee room in this row, and there is a guarantee that no one will throw their seat back on you.
10 row. The seats in this row do not have reclining backs, as the seats are located in front of the first emergency exit.
11 row located after the emergency exit and there is enough space in front. Thus, you can get up from your seats without disturbing your neighbors and stretch your legs comfortably. Also, a plus is that there are two seats in a row, not three. The disadvantage of these seats is that the folding tables are located in the armrests and they do not move, there is no porthole, and you cannot place hand luggage on the floor or in the aisle. Also, for reasons of flight safety, passengers with children and animals, people with disabilities, and elderly people are prohibited from being in these seats.
12 row A and F. The seats are quite comfortable. They have extra legroom, since there is no chair in front.
25 row. The seat backs do not recline. But there are two seats in a row, not three. This is a good advantage.
26 row. Not a bad place, since there is room for your feet, you can get up from your seat without disturbing anyone. The disadvantages are the same as in row 11. Seat seats near the windows A and F may be slightly skewed and one of the armrests is missing.
Row 37, seat D. Comfortable, but located near toilets.
37th row seats A,B,C and 38th row. The most uncomfortable places. All the same disadvantages as the penultimate row, in addition, the backs of the seats can rest against the walls of the toilets and cannot recline.

Flight performance

Top speed: 895 km/h
Cruising speed: 845 km/h
Flight range: 4260-5500 km
Aircraft capacity (depending on the passenger cabin layout): economy version - up to 200 passengers, charter cabin layout - 220 passengers, two-class configuration - 185 passengers

About 50 tons of air pass through the Airbus 321 engines every minute, which is equivalent to the simultaneous exhalation of more than 50,000 people.

What is an Airbus A321, where to look at the cabin layout, how to choose the best seats in Aeroflot - hardly anyone thought about these questions when buying tickets.

Recently, passenger air transportation has become increasingly popular. Of course, this is more convenient and reliable than traveling by land. And you can save time, especially if you need to get somewhere urgently.

Aeroflot's most popular airliner is the Airbus A321. People who travel little do not know what kind of plane this is and what comfort awaits them. But, as with other planes, the main thing is to choose the right seats for travel.

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of flying on the A321 airliner, the Aeroflot cabin layout, the modification of the Airbus and the best seats.

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Description of the Airbus A321 and its technical characteristics

Airbus A321-200

Passenger plane. It became the next model after the A320.

Appeared on Russian airlines in 1994. The main developer is Airbus.

But, despite the fact that the airliner has been in production for several decades, its production continues to this day. This is due to the reliability of the aircraft and the high need for use in passenger transportation.

There are only two Airbus A321 models, as Wikipedia confirms, they have different modifications - A321-100 and A321-200:

The A321-100 was developed by company employees in 1993. That same year, the plane took off into the sky and passed its certification. Since the aircraft has proven itself to be positive, mass production began in 1993. And, importantly, airbuses of this modification are still produced to this day.
A321-200 with an increased take-off weight, and also has an increased flight range. The airliner was developed over two years from 1994 to 1996. Initially created as a competitor to the Boeing airliner, the first customer to purchase the aircraft was a German company. They ordered the plane even before it was put into mass production. Given its reliable technical characteristics, the aircraft is still produced today.

Technical characteristics of the liner:

In flight it reaches a speed of 890 km/h.
The flight range with maximum load is 6000 km without refueling.
The maximum A321 can rise to an altitude of 11,900 km.
The engine installed on the aircraft is manufactured by Airbus and belongs to the CFMI CFM56-5A/5B modification.
The wingspan is 34.1 meters.
The height of the aircraft is about 12 meters.
The cockpit of aircraft of various modifications is practically no different from one another. Thanks to this, pilots can change from one to another without any problems.
The plane is 44.51 meters long.
In flight it shows quite decent performance, since fuel consumption is minimal.
The airliners are equipped with reliable engines, and therefore every passenger can be calm about their safety during the flight.

It is worth noting: in 2015, Airbus was modified and new engines were installed on the aircraft, which gives even greater confidence in comfort and safety.

The main distinguishing feature of Airbus aircraft is that all cockpits are made according to the same principle. Therefore, a pilot only needs to take one course, and after that he can fly a passenger airliner, and then a cargo one.

Location of seats

Aeroflot uses two types of Airbus A321 aircraft for passenger transportation. How many seats do they have? One is economy class and has a capacity of 220 seats, and the second combines business class and economy class seats. This liner is designed for 185 passenger seats. Let's consider the arrangement of seats on an Airbus 321 aircraft with a two-class layout, since this type is in great demand.

Airbus A321 seat diagram by modifications

As in other aircraft, business class is located in the bow of the aircraft. According to the Airbus Industrie A321 scheme, business class is rows one to seven. The seats are actually worth choosing, as the distance between the seats is quite large and you can walk freely. In addition, the chairs themselves are more comfortable and the menu is more varied.

The most popular places are those located near the window or porthole. This is due to the fact that those passing by do not disturb vacationers. And of course - an unforgettable view from the window.

But even in business class there are seats that are not entirely suitable for passengers, and this can be seen in the photo of the Airbus 321 interior. For example, seats in the first and seventh row. This is due to the fact that the first row is located close to the toilets, and the seventh row is located next to the service premises. As a result, there will be constant movement of passengers and staff. Also, given the proximity of the location, the light will be constantly on both day and night, so it is unlikely that you will be able to get enough sleep. The seventh row is also not worth choosing, since immediately behind it there is a partition leading to economy class. Therefore, the sounds coming from the adjacent cabin will not allow you to rest during the flight.

We move on to the economy class cabin. Looking at it, you can immediately say that the seating arrangement in an Airbus A321 of this type is not entirely comfortable. Firstly, there is only one aisle, and the seats are arranged three in a row. There are seats from 8 to 31 here. But despite the fact that these seats are of a lower class, the seats themselves are quite comfortable and practically no different from the first cabin.

Note: When choosing seats in economy class, it is better to choose row 8 seats. This is due to the fact that only a partition remains in front of the seats. They are especially convenient for tall people, as there is room to stretch their legs.

You can also opt for seats in row 20, marked A and F. There is also a large space in front of the seats.

We looked at more convenient places. But, as on the other liner, there are bad places here, tickets for which are not worth buying. These are seats located in rows 19 and 18, 31. They are also located next to the toilet, so you should not choose them.

We have decided on the choice of places. Let's see what they say about the advantages and disadvantages of the A321.

How to choose the right seats on an Airbus A321

General recommendations on how to choose the best places:

In order to proceed to choosing a seat, focusing on the Airbus 321 seating scheme, it is enough to first decide in which class you will fly.
If it is economy class, then you should not choose seats in the last row, and seats located next to the aisle are not entirely suitable if you plan to relax during the flight.
When choosing seats in business class, you should not opt for the first row seats, since, given the high traffic capacity, you will not be able to spend time peacefully during the flight.
In addition, when choosing seats, be sure to pay attention to how much you are willing to spend on purchasing a ticket. Business class is much more expensive than economy class. Therefore, here and there, we shouldn’t forget about the financial side of the issue.

Based on the plan of the Airbus 321 aircraft, you can make the right choice.

Airbus A321 positive and negative points

First, about the advantages:

despite the fact that the first airliner was rolled off the production line more than 20 years ago, its main advantage remains its excellent characteristics, primarily flight performance;
the carrying capacity is quite decent compared to other aircraft;
sufficient passenger capacity;
the passenger compartment is quite spacious;
High sound insulation allows you to relax and enjoy the flight during the flight.

In fact, the liner is comfortable, it is comfortable, quiet and comfortable.

But among the positive qualities, there are also negative ones. One of them is that its first release was many years ago. That is why in modern aircraft construction a large number of competitors have appeared that can compete in both comfort and technical characteristics.

Despite the fact that in the modern world of airliners there is a large choice, most often passengers choose the A321 series aircraft. This is where you can sit comfortably.

In addition, if you use Aeroflot services, you receive a number of advantages:

The professionalism of the pilots and staff is amazing;
ticket prices are more favorable than in commercial companies;
Thanks to the correct approach to their duties, employees provide their passengers with greater reliability and comfort.

When choosing comfortable seats for your trip, pay attention to the seating layout of the Airbus 321. After all, how you spend your time during the flight depends on the right choice.

Watch the video that explains how to choose the best seat on the plane:

Passenger aircraft are increasingly ceasing to be a luxury and becoming a popular and affordable mode of transport. The speed, convenience and increasing safety of airliners open up broad prospects for regular air travel.

The growing flow of passengers also increases the demands on modern aircraft. The main focus is on the space, comfort and safety of the aircraft. Ideally, all these qualities should be combined with relative low cost of production and maintenance.

It was in this direction that the A320 model and its subsequent modification, the A321, were developed. Despite the long period that has passed since its development, the model still remains in demand for passenger transportation in many countries around the world.

History of the development of the Airbus A321 passenger aircraft

In 1988, the Airbus S.A.S consortium released a new model - the A320. The aircraft became the first mass-produced passenger airliner with a fly-by-wire control system. The new model continued the line of narrow-body aircraft begun by the A300.

The main emphasis of the development was on savings in assembly and variability of passenger seats. The goal was to gain superiority over the main competitor - Boeing 727 and 737. Compared to them, the new Airbus Industrie model would have an advantage in the use of digital technologies.

Despite the fact that the first aircraft was produced in 1988, the A320 program has been officially in operation since 1984. In addition to the fly-by-wire control system, there were other innovations:

for pilots, side control handles are provided instead of control columns;
the horizontal tail is made entirely of composites.

The Airbus A321 model was put into mass production in 1994 specifically to increase passenger capacity. The new airliner has become the largest in this line: when divided into two classes, it can accommodate 170 people, in one - 220. Also, compared to the A320, the flight range has been slightly increased.

The main production of aircraft of this line is concentrated in the European Union. Until 2008, assembly was carried out only in Toulouse, later Hamburg - Finkenwerder was connected. Production has also been established in China. Many parts and spare parts are produced in Russia at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant.

Airbus A321 aircraft remain in demand for many airlines around the world, despite being designed 25 years ago. However, it is expected that in the coming years these airliners will begin to be phased out due to outdated characteristics compared to modern aircraft.

Performance characteristics

Airbus Industrie A321 models remain in demand precisely because of their technical characteristics, which still compete with modern airliners.

In terms of size and weight, this model has the following indicators:

length - 44.5 m;
height - 11.8 m;
wingspan - 34.1 m;
wing area - 122.4 m;
permissible take-off weight - up to 93.5 tons;
acceptable landing weight - up to 77.8 tons;
empty weight of the aircraft - 48.1 tons;

The Airbus A321 has two options for seating passengers - one class or two. In the first case, economy class has a maximum capacity of 220 people. When divided into economy and business class, the aircraft's capacity is 170 seats.

Flight data

Flight characteristics of the Airbus A321:

flight range at maximum load - 5000-5500 km;
maximum speed - 890 km/h, cruising speed - 840;
permissible flight altitude - 11.9 km;
take-off length - 2180 m;
mileage - 1580 m;
engines used - CFMI CFM56-5A/5B, 2 x 13600-15000 kgf; IAE V2500-A5, 2 x 13600-15000 kgf.

Modern assemblies of the Airbus A321 use French EFIS avionics systems. They are responsible for controlling the engines and ensuring the normal operation of on-board electronics. This improves navigation and reduces the likelihood of veering off course, which is especially important during difficult flight conditions and emergency situations.

Interior layout and seating arrangement

In the Airbus A321, the cabin layout has two seat layout options - with and without business class. The first option is used more often, despite the aircraft's smaller capacity. For example, in Aeroflot A321 aircraft, the cabin layout is often considered using its example.

Business class is located at the front of the aircraft and occupies 16-28 paired seats. The seats are more comfortable, the distance between the seats has been increased, which gives more room for the legs. Greater variety is also provided in the menu selection.

In economy class, the seats are arranged in a 3x3 pattern with two compartments. The seats are soft and comfortable, although not as comfortable. The distance between them is approximately 80 cm. However, depending on the location, there are also some nuances that you should be aware of when booking tickets.

Business Class

For business class, the first and seventh rows are considered a poor choice of seats (if there are 28 seats). In the first, the seats are located close to toilets and service areas. In addition to constant noise and movement, the lights are always on at night, making it difficult to sleep.

The last row of business class is separated from the rest of the plane by a thin partition. Therefore, all the noise from economy class will be heard, which will make your vacation incomplete.

Economy class

The most attractive seats in economy class are located in the row next to business class. Located immediately behind the partition, they provide more legroom. Seats with no seats in front have similar properties: in the first diagram these are 20A and 20F.

Seats in rows 18 and 19 are considered less attractive. The proximity to toilets does not allow for proper rest due to constant movement. The worst option in this regard is considered to be the last row, where there are also service rooms next to the toilet.

Advantages and disadvantages of the aircraft

The advantages of the Airbus A321 include:

high flight performance, despite the design 25 years ago;
high capacity and seating capacity among medium-haul aircraft;
the cabin is spacious, which ensures a more comfortable flight;
High sound insulation ensures passengers' rest during the flight.

The disadvantages of the A321 aircraft include its technical aging. Most solutions in design and digital support can no longer compete with modern airliners. In the coming years, a gradual winding down of production is expected in favor of the new Airbus A320neo series.

Aircraft safety

The Airbus A321 design contains 20% more composite materials. Such a solution increased the strength of the aircraft hull and, accordingly, its safety in case of adverse weather conditions.

Another aspect that increases the safety of the airliner is digital support. A computerized navigation and control system makes piloting easier in case of emergency. Similar questions are considered common to the entire A321 line.

However, during operation there were some incidents. Already in the early stages of using Airbus A321 aircraft, accidents were recorded. In 1988, there was a disaster that was attributed to pilot error. However, there is an opinion that it was caused by a computerized control system.

The first accidents significantly reduced the attractiveness of new Airbus aircraft. Since the beginning of 2000, the number of incidents has increased - from minor problems to major accidents. The worst disaster is considered to be the crash of A321 on October 31, 2015, when 224 people died.

Airbus A321 modifications

Airbus A321 airliners have two modifications - A321-100 and A321-200. The first actually marked the beginning of the production of these airliners. Its testing began back in 1993, and later mass production began. The design uses CFM56 and V2500 engines.

The modification of the A321-200 focuses on increasing the take-off weight and flight range. Development began in 1994 as a direct competitor to the Boeing 757-200. In 1996, mass production was launched. Both modifications are still in production.

Airlines flying the Airbus A321

Airbus A321 airliners are actively used by airlines around the world.

The full list is provided by the following operators:

Aegean Airlines;
Aer Lingus;
Air Alanna;
Air Arabia;
Air Astana;
Air Busan;
Air Canada;
Air Canada Rouge;
Air China;
Air France;
Air India;
Air Macau;
Air Transat;
Airblue;
Airphil Express;
Alaska Airlines;
Alitalia;
All Nippon Airways;
AlMasria Universal Airlines;
American Airlines;
Anda Air;
Asian Airlines;
Atlasglobal;
Austrian Airlines;
Avianca;
Avianca El Salvador;
Avianca Peru;
Avion Express;
Batavia Air;
British Airways;
CAA Compagnie Africaine D'Aviation;
Cambodia Angkor Air;
Cathay Dragon;
China Eastern Airlines;
China Southern Airlines;
Condor Flugdienst;
Daallo Airlines;
Delta Air Lines;
Egyptair;
Eva Air;
Finnair;
Frontier Airlines;
Germania;
Gulf Air;
Hi Fly;
HK Express;
Iberia;
Iberia Express;
Inter Airlines;
Interjet;
Iran Air;
Iraqi Airways;
JetBlue Airways;
Jetstar Airways;
Joon;
Juneyao Airlines;
Kish Air;
LATAM Airlines;
LATAM Brasil;
Laudamotion;
Level;
Lufthansa;
Maldivian;
Mihin Lanka;
Monarch Airlines;
Nile Air;
Onur Air;
Philippine Airlines;
Qatar Airways;
R Airlines;
Royal Jordanian Airlines;
SAS - Scandinavian Airlines;
Saudia;
Skywings Asia Airlines;
Small Planet Airlines;
Smartlynx;
Spirit Airlines;
SriLankan Airlines;
SWISS International Air Lines;
TAP Portugal;
Thomas Cook Airlines;
Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia;
Titan Airways;
TransAsia Airways;
TUIfly;
Turkish Airlines;
UNI Air;
VietJet Air;
Vietnam Airlines;
Volaris;
Vueling Airlines;
White Airways;
Windrose;
Wizz Air;
WOW air;
YanAir;
Yunnan Hongtu Airlines;
Aeroflot - Russian Airlines;
Red Wings;
North wind;
Siberia;
Ural Airlines;
Yamal.

Serial production of the A321 continues, which means new aircraft are entering service. However, with the advent of new analogues, we can expect that production will gradually cease. This does not mean that the A321 aircraft will disappear immediately as soon as production ceases. However, their gradual decommissioning can be expected over the next couple of decades.

The Airbus A321 is a modification of the older model A320. The main differences were improved engines, new brakes and increased length. Thanks to the latter, the cabin can accommodate 24% more seats for passengers. The aircraft is produced in different modifications and has several possible layouts, selected taking into account the interests of the airline carrying out the transportation.

How it was created and where it is produced

In 1988, Airbus introduced the new A320 airliner. It was a continuation of the A300 series of narrow-body models and the first passenger aircraft for scheduled flights with an installed fly-by-wire control system. During development, the main focus was on the ability to choose from several seating arrangements and cost-effective assembly. For the finished product, the goal was to gain an advantage over its competitor, the Boeing 737.

Soon after the A320 entered official service, it became clear that the new aircraft was receiving the expected interest from potential buyers. Therefore, the company decided to expand the model range by creating modifications. By 1994, it produced the Airbus A321. The aircraft became the largest of the entire A320 series, could accommodate up to 220 people and could fly slightly longer distances than the basic version.

Increased attention to the new airliner was associated with its features. Of most interest was the widespread use of digital technologies. They helped control the aircraft, provided increased comfort to passengers and raised safety to a new level. The use of composites in the aircraft has also become attractive, which has a positive impact on the technical characteristics and capabilities of the A321.

Until 2008, the assembly of airliners was carried out in France, where individual elements were brought on cargo aircraft or sea vessels. Production of the A321 was later moved to Germany. Some parts of the aircraft are created in China and the UK.

Have you flown on an A321?

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The Airbus A321 cabin can have several layouts. The most commonly used is two-class, consisting of business and economy classes. Sometimes the aircraft is equipped only in a single-class version. In such cases, the number of places increases significantly.

Each row of economy class consists of six seats, placed three on either side and separated by a narrow aisle. In business class, seats are distributed 2 on the left and on the right. Between some rows there are emergency exits and doors, of which there are eight and six on board, respectively.

The seats in economy class are installed at intervals of 75–80 cm. Their width is 45 cm. In business class, the interval is increased to 95 cm. The width of the seats also increases to 52.2 cm. Despite the slight difference, the level of comfort in the business option is much higher .

The standard version seats up to 185 passengers. 157 are in economy class, 28 are in business class. Which layout will be used depends on the carrier. Most often there are several options:

170 seats, 142/28 (“Yamal”);
170 seats, 142/28 (Aeroflot);
183 seats, 167/16 (“Aeroflot”);
186 seats, 170/16 (“Aeroflot”);
197 seats, 189/8 (S7);
220 seats, economy (“Ural Airlines”);
210 seats, economy (Nordwind);
220 seats, economy (Nordwind);
220 seats, economy (Red Wings).

Other variations in layout or number of available seats are possible. The airline chooses the cabin taking into account the demand for a certain class and the popularity of the destination the airliner will fly to.

Best Economy Class Seats

With a standard 185-seat layout, the best seats on the Airbus A321 are considered to be six seats in the eighth row. An emergency exit located at the front increases the free space in front of passengers. Therefore, here you can calmly stand up without disturbing your neighbors, stretch your legs and fully relax. When serving food or drinks, flight attendants, approaching these seats, provide an even larger selection, which decreases with each row.

Several seats in the second half of the plane are considered comfortable. They are located on row 20. The best chairs will be near the window. Its advantage is that there is also a lot of free space in front of it, which is due to the lack of seats in the front.

The rest do not stand out for their comfort, and some are downright uncomfortable. In rows 18 and 19, passengers will feel uncomfortable from the proximity of the toilet - constant movement of people, queues, noise. Those who purchase tickets for rows 30 or 31 experience similar inconveniences. On the latter, you also cannot recline the seat backs, which causes even more discomfort.

When choosing seats for other layouts, you should focus on their distance from the toilet or technical rooms, as well as the presence of increased free space in front. You can view the aircraft diagram on the airline’s website or from the manager.

Best Business Class Seats

Business class consists of a standard cabin of 28 seats located in seven rows. The chairs are comfortable and have amenities. The best seats are considered to be the seats located from the 2nd to the 6th row. Passengers have a lot of free space, do not experience any discomfort and can relax peacefully.

The only exceptions in business class in terms of comfort were the seats in the 1st or 7th row. Sitting on the first one, passengers are disturbed by others walking to the toilet, as well as by the constant noise and light emanating from the stall. In the last row, inconvenience is associated with sounds coming from economy class. This often becomes a problem if the passenger wants to relax or sleep.

Wi-Fi and other amenities on board

On the Airbus A321 aircraft, passengers are provided with a number of amenities that are designed to ensure a comfortable flight and a good time. The basic version of the liner provides for the presence on board of 4 kitchens and four toilets. Business class is equipped with a wardrobe.

Passengers with children can sit in the first or eighth row - there are cradles installed there where you can place your baby. For other arrangements, suitable seating may vary. There are also six special seats allocated for flight attendants.

Other amenities vary depending on the airline operating the aircraft. Most often, each passenger has an outlet for charging electronic devices. Some people build small displays into the backs of their chairs on which you can watch movies. Wi-Fi is available on most airlines for an additional fee.

Flight performance

The A321 aircraft became slightly larger than the older A320. Its length is 44.51 m with a height of 11.76 m. The wingspan remains the same and is 34.1 m with an area of 122.6 m². The weight of the airliner without load is 48.5 tons. It can take off at 93.5 tons, and when landing it should weigh no more than 77.8 tons. The permissible payload reaches 23.4 tons.

The installed CFM56-5A/5B or IAE V2500-A5 engines produce thrust from 13,600 to 15,000 kgf. They provide the aircraft with a cruising speed of 828 km/h, while it can accelerate to 890 km/h. To take off, the airliner will need a takeoff length of 2180 m, and for landing, a run of up to 1580 m. It can rise to a height of up to 11900 m.

The fuel reserve is 30030 liters. With a specific consumption of 18.2 g/pass-kg and an hourly expenditure of 3,200 kg, this is enough to cover a distance of up to 5,600 km, taking into account the maximum commercial load.

Airliner design

According to the Airbus aerodynamic design, both the A321 and the A320, which has become the older version, are twin-engine low-wing aircraft with a swept wing and single-fin vertical tail. Both are designed for medium-haul airlines. The A321 model turned out to be slightly longer, so it can carry more passengers. The basic layout allows for 185 seats in a two-class version or 220 seats in a one-class cabin.

When creating the aircraft, various composite materials were used. Most of all they were used in wings with stabilizers. This solution made it possible to reduce the total weight of the aircraft, increase the permissible payload and improve technical performance.

The airliner received a reinforced wing, characterized by increased reliability. It has special endings called sharklets. They are made as winglets and are designed for improved versions of the A320. Company representatives note that sharklets increase the aerodynamics of the aircraft, reduce fuel consumption by 3.5% and minimize carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The absence of such winglets would lead to a reduction in flight range by 180 km or a reduction in the maximum payload by 500 kg.

The new CFM56-5A/5B or IAE V2500-A5 turbofan engines have become more powerful. The noise level from them has decreased, fuel consumption has become more economical, and emissions of harmful substances have been reduced. They are placed one on each side under the wing.

The cockpit is equipped with EFIS digital avionics, which includes six special displays on the aircraft instrument panel, where all the necessary flight information is displayed. If individual elements fail, a corresponding warning will immediately appear so that pilots can take the necessary measures in a timely manner.

The presence of the Airbus A321 black box provides information about the flight and negotiations after a disaster, should it occur. It is located inside the tail compartment and can withstand severe impacts and high temperatures, thanks to which it remains intact even if the airliner crashes.

Models and modifications

The aircraft is produced in three modifications: A321-100, A321-200, A321neo. The first is practically not used, and the second is gradually being replaced by the third. Each new version received its own improvements, which gave it a number of advantages.

The first model A321-100 was produced from 1994 with V2500 or CFM56 engines. The plane could have become a serious competitor even to the Boeing 757, but this did not happen. The reason for this was insufficiently advanced characteristics. Therefore, in 1996, a second model was introduced.

The Airbus A321-200 received an increased take-off weight and increased flight range, which was achieved by installing additional fuel tanks. The airliner became more successful than its predecessor and quickly spread to many major airlines.

In 2016, the Airbus A321neo was introduced, which became an improved version of the basic aircraft. It is equipped with new modernized PW1100G-JM or CFMI Leap-1A engines, providing thrust of 15,000 and 14,500 kgf. Fuel consumption decreased by 15%.

According to technical information, the A321neo can fly 950 km further and carry 2 tons more load. Speed performance has also been improved. The number of available seats on the plane has increased - it can accommodate up to 240 people in a single-class configuration.

Airlines operators

The A321 is actively used by many major airlines. In total, more than 1,700 aircraft were sold over the years of production, with another 400 on the pipeline. The number of orders for the new A321neo is also gradually increasing.

The aircraft is used by the following major foreign carriers:

American Airlines;
Air Canada;
Atlasglobal;
Turkish Airlines;
Air France;
Etihad Airways;
Air China;
Air India;
Qatar Airways;
Air Astana;
Wizz Air.

The airliner is also part of the fleet of many European and Asian air carriers operating international flights. In Russia, the A321 is used by Aeroflot, S7, Ural Airlines and Red Wings. Several aircraft operate periodic flights from Yamal and Nordwind companies.

The A321 has been in service around the world for over 20 years. During this time, almost two thousand aircraft were produced, which were able to show their best side. Each copy is distinguished by the highest reliability, technical features and ease of operation. Passengers get the opportunity to get to the desired point quickly and comfortably.