Airbus A320/A321
Our narrow-body workhorse for short- and medium-haul service. This page provides pilot-focused info for Wheels Airlines VA operations: variants, typical configurations, performance planning notes, sim setup, flows, and downloads.
Variants in Fleet
A320-200
- Seating: 162–180
- Engines: CFM56 / IAE V2500
- ETOPS: Not used in VA service
A321neo
- Seating: 200–220
- Engines: PW1100G / CFM LEAP-1A
- Sharklets: Yes
Typical Specs (VA)
| Parameter | A320-200 | A321neo |
|---|---|---|
| Max TO Weight | Use sim profile | Use sim profile |
| Max Landing Weight | Use sim profile | Use sim profile |
| Typical Payload | ~16–18 t | ~20–22 t |
| Cost Index | CI 20 | CI 20–25 |
Performance Planning Notes
Takeoff: Prefer Flex when possible. Use TOGA for short/contaminated runways.
Climb/Cruise: CI as above; step climbs as needed. Managed speed per FMS.
Descent: Initiate early for busy terminals. Configure flaps on schedule, stabilized by 1000’ AGL.
Company SOP & Flows
- Preflight & IRS Align
- Before Start / After Start
- Taxi • Takeoff • Climb
- Descent • Approach • Landing
Simulator Setup
- MSFS Add-ons: FBW A32NX / Fenix A320 / Inibuilds A320/321
- Payload/Fuel: Use EFB or SimBrief import
- Cost Index: CI 20 (VA standard)
Livery & Equipment
Grab latest Wheels Airlines paints on the Livery page.