Airbus A319
| Company type | Commercial aircraft model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | May 22, 1992 |
| Headquarters | Hamburg , Germany |
| Products | Narrow-body twin-engine jet airliner |
| Parent | Airbus |
The Airbus A319 belongs to the Airbus A320 family, a series of short- to medium-haul, narrow-body, twin-engine commercial jets produced by Airbus. This model accommodates between 124 and 156 passengers and boasts a maximum operational range of . Its final assembly takes place in Hamburg, Germany, and Tianjin, China.
As a shortened version of the Airbus A320, the A319 commenced operations in April 1996 with Swissair, following the introduction of the extended Airbus A321 and the original A320. It maintains a unified type rating across all A320 family models, allowing pilots to operate different variants without additional certification.
In December 2010, Airbus unveiled the re-engined Airbus A320neo family ("new engine option"), which incorporates more fuel-efficient engines and aerodynamic enhancements such as "sharklets" winglets. The compact fuselage variant, known as the A319neo, delivers up to 15% fuel savings but has experienced notably lower sales, representing roughly 1% of total orders as of June 2020. The preceding generation was subsequently renamed the A319ceo ("current engine option").
By May 2025, Airbus had delivered 1,516 units of the A319, with 1,263 actively in service and 27 aircraft on order. American Airlines stands as the largest operator, managing a fleet of 133 A319ceo jets.
Background
The initial aircraft of the A320 family, the A320 itself, was launched in March 1984 and completed its maiden flight on 22 February 1987. The family later expanded with the introduction of the lengthened A321 in 1994, followed by the shortened A319 in 1996, and finally the even shorter A318 in 2003. This family pioneered digital fly-by-wire flight control systems and side stick controllers within commercial aviation. The development of the A319 was initiated at the behest of Steven Udvar-Hazy, then CEO of ILFC.
Origins and design
Derived from the A320 platform, the A319 originated from Airbus’s Single-Aisle studies focusing on a 130- to 140-seat SA1 concept. Building on robust sales of both the A320 and A321 models, Airbus pursued the "A320M-7," which involved shortening the fuselage by seven frames to directly challenge Boeing’s 737-300/737-700 series. This modification reduced overall length by 3.73 meters and decreased overwing emergency exits from four to two; however, high-density configurations like EasyJet’s 156-seat layout preserve four exits. The original bulk-cargo door was replaced with an aft container door designed for smaller LD3-45 containers.
Only minor software tweaks were necessary to adjust for handling variations, while engine options remained as CFM56-5A or V2500-A5 units derated to 98 kN thrust with an optional upgrade to 105 kN. Despite carrying fewer passengers than the A320-200 but retaining similar fuel capacity, the A319 achieves a range of 6,650 km with a two-class seating arrangement for 124 passengers, extending to 6,850 km when equipped with "Sharklets." Interestingly, its wingspan surpasses its fuselage length.
Production and testing
Airbus began offering the A319 on 22 May 1992, securing ILFC as its inaugural customer with an order for six aircraft. Anticipating further commitments from airlines like Swissair and Alitalia, Airbus officially launched the $275 million (€250 million) program on 10 June 1993. Final assembly of the first unit commenced at Airbus's Hamburg facility—also responsible for assembling the A321—on 23 March 1995. The aircraft was unveiled on 24 August 1995 and conducted its maiden flight the following day. Certification testing encompassed approximately 350 flight hours across two test aircraft; approval for the CFM56-5B6/2 engine variant was granted in April 1996, followed by certification for the V2524-A5 engine in May.
The initial delivery went to Swissair on 25 April 1996, marking its entry into commercial service within that same month. In January 1997, an A319 set a delivery distance record by flying non-stop from Hamburg to Winnipeg—a journey covering 3,588 nautical miles—in just over nine hours. The model has since become favored among low-cost carriers such as EasyJet, which has taken delivery of 172 units. To date, a total of 1,484 A319ceo (current engine option) aircraft have been handed over to customers.
A319CJ
The A319CJ, also marketed as the ACJ319 "Elegance" since 2014, represents the business jet adaptation of the A319. It is equipped with up to six removable auxiliary fuel tanks positioned in the cargo hold, enabling an increased service ceiling of 12,500 meters. When configured with eight passengers and these additional tanks, its maximum range can reach 6,000 nautical miles. This aircraft can be converted back to a standard A319 by removing the extra fuel tanks and corporate interior elements, maintaining its resale potential.
Offering flexible cabin layouts accommodating up to 39 passengers, prominent operators include Tyrolean Jet Service, MJET, and Reliance Industries. The A319CJ competes directly in the ultralarge-cabin business jet segment against models such as the Boeing BBJ (based on the 737-700), Embraer Lineage 1000, Gulfstream G650/G550, and Bombardier Global 6000. Utilizing the same powerplants as other A320 family members, it fulfills various VIP and government transport roles; for instance, France’s Escadron de Transport and Germany’s Flugbereitschaft employ it for official duties.
Numerous nations deploy ACJs for presidential or official government transport, including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Malaysia, Slovakia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
Since 2014, Airbus has introduced a modular cabin variant of the ACJ319 under the name "Elegance," aimed at lowering operational costs and facilitating easier cabin reconfiguration.
A319LR
The A319LR is a long-range iteration of the A319 model that extends its flight distance capability to approximately 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 kilometers). Qatar Airways was the initial customer for this version and took delivery of two A319-100LR aircraft. Other operators such as PrivatAir and Eurofly also incorporated A319LRs into their fleets in 2003 and 2005 respectively.
A319neo
Introduced as the smallest member of Airbus's A320neo family since December 2010, the A319neo replaces the original A319ceo ("current engine option"). The "neo" acronym stands for "new engine option."
This variant incorporates new-generation engines—either CFM International LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1100G—alongside aerodynamic improvements like larger sharklet winglets. Additional enhancements include weight savings, a redesigned cabin offering increased overhead bin capacity for hand luggage, and upgraded air filtration systems. These developments contribute to a fuel consumption reduction of around 15%, an 8% decrease in operating expenses, lowered noise emissions, and at least a 10% reduction in nitrogen oxide pollutants compared to earlier models. The range is also extended by roughly 500 nautical miles.
Despite these advancements, the A319neo has experienced limited market demand within its family segment: as of September 2023, it has secured only 61 orders compared to 4,234 for the A320neo and 5,422 for the A321neo.
A319 MPA
The Airbus A319 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) is a military-adapted version unveiled in 2018 by Airbus Defence and Space. It aims to rival Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft derived from the Boeing 737 platform.
A319 OH
The A319 OH ("Offener Himmel," meaning "Open Sky") serves as an observation aircraft equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensor suites. Originating from an A319CJ modified by Lufthansa Technik, it operates within the German Air Force to conduct surveillance missions under the Open Skies Treaty framework. The aircraft typically undertakes about 20 missions annually and is also available for lease to allied nations.
Additional military versions
- VC-319A: This designation is used by the Italian Air Force for a trio of modified A319-115(CJ) aircraft assigned to government transport duties. These planes are operated by the 31st Wing based at Ciampino Air Base in Rome. When carrying the President of Italy, the aircraft employ the callsign "IAM9001."
- VC-1A: A single A319-133X(CJ) model functions as the VIP transport for Brazil's President, known as Brazilian Air Force One, delivered in 2005. After experiencing an engine malfunction in 2024, Brazil initiated a search for a replacement aircraft, with Airbus indicating an estimated delivery period of two years.
- B.L.15 and B.L.15A: These are Royal Thai Armed Forces designations corresponding to the A319-115CJ and A319-115CJ1 variants, respectively.
A319NAF
The A319NAF (Neptune Aerial Firefighter) is an informal term for the A319ceo adapted by Neptune Aviation, a Montana-based company specializing in aerial firefighting. On December 6, 2024, Neptune announced a development agreement with French aerospace firm Aerotec & Concept to engineer, modify, and certify a fire retardant and water tank for the A319ceo platform. This new tank will have a minimum capacity of 4,500 US gallons (approximately 17 tons), which is 50% larger than the current BAe 146-200A system. This Airbus model is intended to augment and ultimately replace the aging BAe 146 fleet, with service entry projected for spring or summer of 2027.
Operators
By May 2025, a total of 1,263 Airbus A319 aircraft (comprising 1,232 ceo and 31 neo models) were actively operated by 87 different entities. Leading operators include American Airlines with 133 units, EasyJet with 88, United Airlines operating 83, and Delta Air Lines with 57 aircraft. Additionally, governments and private users operate 78 units (71 ceo and 7 neo).
Orders and deliveries
| Orders | Deliveries | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Total | Backlog | Total | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| A319ceo | 1,486 | 2 | 1,484 | — | — | — | — | 2 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 4 |
| A319neo | 57 | 25 | 32 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 2 | — | 2 | — | — | — |
| (A319) | (1,543) | (27) | (1,516) | (6) | (9) | (7) | (6) | (4) | (3) | (6) | (8) | (3) | (4) |
| Deliveries | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | |
| A319ceo | 24 | 34 | 38 | 38 | 47 | 51 | 88 | 98 | 105 | 137 | 142 | 87 | 72 | 85 | 89 | 112 | 88 | 53 | 47 | 18 | |
| A319neo | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (A319) | 24 | 34 | 38 | 38 | 47 | 51 | 88 | 98 | 105 | 137 | 142 | 87 | 72 | 85 | 89 | 112 | 88 | 53 | 47 | 18 | |
Information current as of May 2025.
Accidents and incidents
Up to May 2022, the Airbus A319 has been involved in a total of 23 aviation accidents and incidents, including five events resulting in hull loss. Importantly, there have been no fatal accidents reported involving this aircraft type.
Preserved aircraft
| Image | Registration | Model | Year built | Date of first flight | Date of last flight | Operators | Location | Current status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-EEZQ | A319-112 | 1996 | 26 April 1996 | September 2011 |
|
Kirklees College, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England | Static exhibit | Known as "Bachenbülach" by Swissair and "Vancouver" by Mexicana. Preserved for use as a cabin trainer. | |
| 5N-FND | A319-113 | 1997 | 13 January 1997 | 17 August 2016 |
|
Supreme Continental Hotels and Resort, Ilora, Oyo State, Nigeria | Static exhibit | Named "Endurance" by First Nation Airways. Converted into a restaurant. | |
| CS-TTE | A319-111 | 1998 | 23 April 1998 | 24 November 2020 | TAP Air Portugal | Cardington Studios, Cardington, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom | Static exhibit | Carrying the name "Francisco d’Ollanda". Utilized as a film prop at Cardington Studios. |
Specifications
| Flight deck crew | Two pilots |
|---|---|
| Exit capacity limit | 160 / 150 (varies by certification) |
| Maximum seating (single-class) | 156 seats with 28–30 inch pitch |
| Standard seating (single-class) | 134 seats at 32 inch pitch |
| Standard seating (two-class) | 124 seats (8 First Class @ 38 in, 116 Economy @ 32 in) |
| Cargo volume | 27.7 cubic meters |
| Unit load devices (ULDs) capacity | 4 × LD3-45 containers |
| Overall length | 33.84 meters |
| Wheelbase length | 11.04 meters |
| Track width | 7.59 meters |
| Wingspan | 35.8 meters with sharklet wingtip devices |
| Wing surface area | 122.4 square meters |
| Wing sweep angle | 25 degrees |
| Vertical tail height | 11.76 meters |
| Cabin interior width | 3.70 meters |
| Fuselage diameter | 3.95 meters |
| Fuselage height | 4.14 meters |
| Operating empty weight (OEW) | 40.8 metric tonnes |
| Maximum zero-fuel weight (MZFW) | 58.5 metric tonnes |
| Maximum landing weight (MLW) | 62.5 metric tonnes |
| Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) | 75.5 metric tonnes |
| Cruise velocity | Mach 0.78 at flight level 390 |
| Top speed | Mach 0.82 at flight level 390 |
| Range with typical payload | Approximately 3,750 nautical miles |
| ACJ configuration range | Up to 6,000 nautical miles |
| Takeoff run (MTOW, sea level, ISA conditions) | 1,850 meters |
| Landing roll (MLW, sea level, ISA conditions) | 1,360 meters |
| Fuel tank capacity | Between 24,210 and 30,190 liters |
| Service ceiling altitude | Maximum of 41,000 feet |
| Engines (two units) | CFM56-5 or IAE V2500-A5 turbofan engines |
| Engine thrust (each) | Ranges from 98 to 120 kN |
Engines
| Model Variant | Certification Date | Engine Type |
|---|---|---|
| A319-111 | April 10, 1996 | CFM56-5B5 |
| A319-112 | April 10, 1996 | CFM56-5B6 |
| A319-113 | May 31, 1996 | CFM56-5A4 |
| A319-114 | May 31, 1996 | CFM56-5A5 |
| A319-115 | July 30, 1999 | CFM56-5B7 |
| A319-131 | December 18, 1996 | IAE V2522-A5 |
| A319-132 | December 18, 1996 | IAE V2524-A5 |
| A319-133 | July 30, 1999 | IAE V2527M-A5 |