Things people “know” about the A320neo
Some are half true. Some are just wrong.
Myth A Sharklet means it’s a neo.
Fact Airbus has offered Sharklets on new-build A320 Family aircraft since December 2012, and all neo family members have them as standard. Airbus press release: Airbus launches Sharklet retrofit for in-service A320 Family aircraft (Oct 2013) Sharklets are also available on new-production ceo aircraft and as a retrofit, so a Sharklet alone doesn’t prove you’re looking at a neo. Airbus newsroom: Winglets, a tip-top solution for more efficient aircraft (Feb 2017)
Myth ‘neo’ just means ‘new’.
Fact ‘neo’ stands for New Engine Option. The A320neo arrived in 2010 with new engines, Sharklet wingtip devices and upgraded cabins. Airbus: A320 Family, the most delivered aircraft ever · checked 29 Oct 2026
Myth Every A320 family jet is the same length.
Fact The A319neo is 33.84 m (111 ft 0 in) long. Airbus: A319neo (product page and key figures) · checked 29 Oct 2026 The A320neo is 37.57 m (123 ft 3 in) long. Airbus: A320neo (product page and key figures) · checked 29 Oct 2026 The A321neo is 44.51 m long, the longest fuselage in the A320 family. Airbus: A321neo (product page and key figures) · checked 29 Oct 2026
Myth Every A320neo has the same engines.
Fact Every neo comes with a choice of two engines: the CFM International LEAP-1A or the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM geared turbofan (GTF). Airbus press release: A320neo with CFM LEAP-1A engines receives joint EASA and FAA Type Certification (May 2016)
Myth The A320neo is flown with a control column.
Fact With fly-by-wire, the control surfaces are linked to computers rather than cables and pulleys, and the pilot’s control column was replaced by a sidestick. Airbus newsroom: Airbus jetliners, a standard-setting history (Jun 2018)
Myth The A321XLR is longer than the A321neo.
Fact A321XLR: up to 4,700 nm (8,700 km); 180–220 seats in two classes, maximum 244; maximum take-off weight 101.50 tonnes; length 44.51 m, span 35.80 m, height 11.76 m. Airbus: A321XLR (product page and key figures) · checked 29 Oct 2026 The A321neo is 44.51 m long, the longest fuselage in the A320 family. Airbus: A321neo (product page and key figures) · checked 29 Oct 2026
Myth Pilots need a separate type rating for each family member.
Fact Pilots can fly the A318, A319, A320 and A321 on a single type rating, because the cockpits and procedures are identical. Airbus: A320 Family, the most delivered aircraft ever · checked 29 Oct 2026
Myth The A320neo needs three pilots.
Fact Minimum flight crew: two pilots. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet EASA.A.064, Airbus A318, A319, A320, A321, Issue 62, 26 June 2026 (PDF)
Myth Every source agrees on the A320neo’s maximum seats.
Fact A320neo: up to 3,400 nm (6,300 km); 150–180 seats in two classes, maximum 194; maximum take-off weight 79.00 tonnes; Mmo 0.82. Airbus: A320neo (product page and key figures) · checked 29 Oct 2026 EASA’s maximum certified passenger seating for the A320 is 195 with the higher-rated doors; the original maximum was 180. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet EASA.A.064, Airbus A318, A319, A320, A321, Issue 62, 26 June 2026 (PDF)
Myth Wingtip devices are just decoration.
Fact Wingtip devices reduce the spiral-shaped vortices that form at the ends of wings in flight, which create drag. Airbus newsroom: Winglets, a tip-top solution for more efficient aircraft (Feb 2017) Airbus says Sharklets cut fuel burn by up to 4% and CO₂ by as much as 900 tonnes a year per aircraft. Airbus newsroom: Winglets, a tip-top solution for more efficient aircraft (Feb 2017)