The Airbus A318, shortest member of the A320 family, earned its
JAR-25 type certificate last month, paving the way for its initial
entry into service with Denver-based Frontier Airlines this summer
and Air France later this year. FAR Pt 25 certification is expected
this month.
Formerly known as the A319M5, the A318 is four-and-one-half frames
shorter than the A319, previously the shortest member of the A320
family. It is offered with PW6122/6124 or CFM56-5B engines, but
initially only CFM56-powered aircraft will be available. PW6000
engines have experienced considerable growing pains. Upgraded
versions are slated for November 2003 certification. On the flight
deck the A318 features LCD flat-panel displays instead of the
CRTs used in older Airbus aircraft.
Maximum range with eight first class and 99 coach passengers is
1,450+ nmi, depending upon engine choice. The aircraft may be
configured in single class for up to 129 passengers. One or two
auxiliary center tanks are available, potentially boosting range
to as much as 3,250 nmi. The operating empty weight is 86,057
lb and the standard maximum takeoff weight is 130,075 lb. For
high payload operations, especially on aircraft fitted with auxiliary
fuel tanks, Airbus makes available optional MTOWs up to 149,915
lb.
A318 is the first jetliner to be assembled using laser beam welding
in lieu of conventional rivets and fasteners or adhesive bonding.
This should reduce production costs at Airbus Hamburg's facility
where the aircraft is built. The A318, though, is too short to
use the large underfloor cargo doors fitted to its larger siblings.
As a result, standard-size cargo containers cannot be accommodated.
Airbus claims more than 100 orders, options and commitments for
its newest A320 variant, from Air France, America West and Frontier
Airlines, plus lessors CIT Group, GECAS and ILFC.
