Airbus A319 CJ

The A319 design is a shortened-fuselage, minimum change derivative of the A320, tracing its origins back to the 130- to 140-seat SA1 concept from early Single-Aisle studies. The SA1 was initially shelved while Airbus focused on larger models within the family. Following sales of the A320/A321, Airbus revisited the concept, then known as the A320M-7, indicating the A320 with seven fewer fuselage frames, aiming to compete directly with the Boeing 737-300/-700. The shortening involved removing four fuselage frames forward of the wing and three aft, reducing the overall length by 3.73 meters (12 ft 3 in). Airbus began offering the new model from 22 May 1992. The $275 million (€250 million) program was officially launched on 10 June 1993, with ILFC as the first customer, signing for six aircraft, anticipating further orders from Swissair and Alitalia. The first A319 underwent final assembly on 23 March 1995, at Airbus's Hamburg plant, was rolled out on 24 August 1995, and had its maiden flight the following day. The certification program involved 350 airborne hours using two aircraft, with certification for the CFM56-5B6/2-equipped variant granted in April 1996, followed by qualification for the V2524-A5 the next month. The first A319 was delivered to Swissair on 25 April 1996, and entered service by the end of that month.

Design

The reduction in length led to a reduction in overwing exits from four to two, although high-density A319s may retain four overwing exits. The bulk-cargo door was replaced by an aft container door to accommodate reduced height LD3-45 containers. Minor software adjustments were implemented to manage the different handling characteristics resulting from the shorter fuselage. Power is provided by CFM56-5A or V2500-A5 engines, derated to 98 kN (22,000 lbf), with an option for 105 kN (24,000 lbf) thrust. Its wingspan is wider than its overall length, and with virtually the same fuel capacity as the A320-200 but fewer passengers, the A319 achieves a range of 6,650 km (3,590 nmi) with 124 passengers in a two-class configuration, extending to 6,850 km (3,700 nmi) with the addition of "Sharklets".

Operational History

The A319 has seen operational use across various sectors, from commercial airlines to governmental and executive transport. Low-cost carriers including EasyJet operate the A319, with 172 aircraft delivered to this operator alone. Several nations employ the A319CJ as a presidential or official aircraft, including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Malaysia, Slovakia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela. The A319 MPA is a military derivative designed for maritime patrol. The A319 OH variant, based on the A319CJ, is equipped with electro-optical sensors, a digital camera, and an infrared sensor for surveillance missions under the Treaty on Open Skies; the German Air Force utilizes this variant and offers it for lease to other nations lacking such equipment. The A319NAF (Neptune Aerial Firefighter) currently under development, will be able to carry at least 4,500 gallons (approx. 37,500 lb; 17 tons) of fire retardant/water.

Variants

Main Variants:

• A319CJ: A corporate jet version based on the A319, featuring removable extra fuel tanks and an increased service ceiling.

• A319LR: A longer-range version of the A319, with a typical range increased up to 4,500 nautical miles.

• A319neo: Part of the A320neo family, featuring new, more efficient engines and airframe improvements for better fuel consumption and range.

• A319 MPA: A military derivative designed for maritime patrol.

• A319 OH: An observation platform equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, used for surveillance missions under the Treaty on Open Skies.