Airbus SAS
Airbus A320-232
The Airbus A320-232 is a member of the highly successful A320 family, produced by Airbus SAS since the late 1980s. The -232 variant, officially designated A320‑200 with a CFM56‑5B engine, entered service in 1991 and quickly became a workhorse for short- and medium‑haul carriers worldwide. Its development followed the pioneering fly‑by‑wire concept introduced on the original A320, offering unprecedented stability, reduced pilot workload, and lighter airframe structures. Key features include a two‑crew glass cockpit, digital flight‑control system, and wingtip devices that improve fuel efficiency. Powered by either CFM56‑5B or IAE V2500 turbofans, it can transport 150‑180 passengers over distances up to 6,300 km, while consuming up to 15 percent less fuel than comparable legacy jets. The A320‑232 has played a pivotal role in modernizing airline fleets, facilitating the shift toward more environmentally conscious operations and enabling low‑cost carriers to expand rapidly. Over 10,000 units of the A320 family have been delivered, and the -232 remains a cornerstone of commercial aviation, symbolising the blend of technology, reliability, and economic performance that defines Airbus’s market dominance. Its design also laid the groundwork for the newer A320neo series, which incorporates more efficient engines and shark‑let winglets, ensuring the platform’s relevance for decades to come.