Airbus A-320 / America WestAirbus 320 American West Airlines airplane model. On February 22, 1987, the first Airbus A 320 took to the air. Aimed at the short medium range market of the 737 and MD 80, the A 320 has seating for 150 to 179 passengers, these accommodated in a wider cabin than most single aisle aircraft, allowing for far greater comfort and the ability to take standard baggage containers. Typical cruising speed of the Airbus A 320 is Mach 0. 8 with a range of 3,270