The Russian airline Nord Wind is quite young and reliable. It is popular with passengers and makes international charter flights. The age of the fleet is on average 14.5 years. The airline operates on this moment 20 aircraft different models of boeing and airbus. Of these, the majority are Airbuses A321-200. There are 8 of them in the park. The layout of the Airbus 321 200 Nordwind cabin will help passengers choose the most comfortable and optimal seats for themselves before traveling.
Overview of aircraft cabin seats
This aircraft model is the largest in the A320 family. Nord Wind uses a single class aircraft. In this configuration, 220 economy class seats are located in the cabin. This type of airbus a321 200 is used for budget flights. The distance between the seats has been reduced for more capacity, so people with long legs will not be comfortable in the standard row.
1st row. There is enough free space in front of the chairs to put your feet comfortably. You can also put your bag or backpack on the floor. Moreover, it is from this row that the distribution of drinks and food will begin, so you will receive it immediately. Of the minuses, it can be noted that there will be a wall in front of you for the entire flight and not everyone likes to look into it. In addition, the proximity of the kitchen will cause some inconvenience, such as constant noise, smells, and so on. Not far from these places is also a bathroom.
9th. The seat to the right of the window may have restrictions in reclining, since there is an escape hatch not far from them.
10th. Due to the emergency exits located right behind this row, the seat backs do not have a reclining function. For this reason, you will have to sit up straight for the entire flight, and this can be painful for your back, especially if you have back problems.
11th row. On the layout of the salon Airbus aircraft 321 200 nordwind these places are among the most convenient. There are emergency exits on both sides of this row, so there will be a large distance in front of you to the seats in front. This will give you the opportunity to sit comfortably, put your feet.
23rd. The standard row, however, the seats near the porthole have the same restrictions as in the 9th, the back does not recline.
24th. There are escape hatches right behind it, so you'll have to spend the entire flight vertically. This is due to the fact that the backs of the seats here do not have the ability to recline so as not to block the approach to the exits.
25th row. The seats here have the same advantages as in the 11th. There is quite a lot of space in front of them in order to put their feet.
36th. Unfortunate places in this row are those that are near the aisle. This is due to the fact that toilets are located at the tail of the cabin. Other passengers are likely to wait in line at your seat, which can be annoying and inconvenient.
37th. Directly behind the backs will be a wall of toilets. Therefore, they do not have a reclining function. You will have to sit up straight all the way. In addition, there will be a constant movement of other passengers near you, flight attendants with carts who can push you, step on your feet, and they will also slam the door. Yes, and you will receive food last, as it will be distributed from the beginning of the salon.
Best Places
The most preferred places, especially for long flight, are those located immediately after the emergency exits: in the 11th and 25th rows. However, it is worth remembering that not all passengers can fly here. According to the rules of most airlines, these seats do not sell tickets to the following categories:
- Women in "position"
- To old people
- Passengers with a child or an animal
- Teenagers under the age of 16
- Disabled
This is due to the fact that in the event of a critical situation, passengers should sit here, who will not only not interfere, but will also help open the hatch and others get out of the aircraft.
Airbus A321 narrow-body aircraft are operated by many Russian airlines for flights on medium and short haul flights. The first airliner of the Airbus line was produced by a European manufacturer in 1987, and a year later its first operation took place. Air France.
The modern A321 airliner has decent equipment: digital avionics systems, an electric remote control system, LCD displays in the cockpit, a spacious passenger cabin with a cozy interior, large shelves for hand luggage, a high cargo capacity of the lower deck for luggage, individual lighting passenger seats with the ability to adjust the brightness and much more.
In the article we will talk about the medium-haul aircraft A321 and its modifications, we will list the air carriers using this aircraft, with a visual comparative characteristic, and also consider the layout seats and determine the most convenient for the flight.
Characteristics and layout of the Airbus A321 cabin
Airbus A321 has an elongated body (44.5 m). The width of the cabin is 3.70 m. The cruising speed of the liner of this model is 840 km/h, the maximum speed is 890 km/h. Flight range - 5950 km.
The aircraft is equipped with eight passenger doors and four emergency exits. For 2018, Airbuses A321-100 and A321-200 are operated in the world with different cabin layouts with the number of seats from 170 to 220.
Salon scheme
The manufacturing company delivers Airbuses A321 of various modifications to order to partner air carriers. The most popular model is A321 for 170 and 183 passenger seats with a two-class interior. Such airliners are also operated by the well-known Russian carrier Aeroflot.
The best seats on the plane
In the Airbus A321 for 170 and 183 seats, the cabin is divided into two classes of service: business and economy.
Description of the cabin for 170 passenger seats:
- From 1 to 7 row - business class. The total number of seats is 28. The seats are arranged in two rows in a 2x2 layout.
- In the nose of the aircraft there is a toilet intended for passengers traveling on a business fare.
- From 8 to 31 - an economy class of service, divided into two sectors. The first one occupies rows 8-18 and is located in the central part of the liner. The second sector is row 23-35 in the tail section of the aircraft. Behind the last 18 and 31 there is a partition next to it. Nearby is a toilet room for economy class passengers.
- Between 7-8 and 18-19 nearby is emergency exit.
- Seats in the last rows of the tail of the aircraft (29-31 rows) are equipped for passengers with handicapped. There is also a disabled toilet behind the partition.
- The seats in the economy class are installed in two rows in a 3x3 layout (the exception is the 19th row, paired seats are equipped here).
Salon Airbus A321 for 183 passenger seats:
- The business class salon occupies rows 1-4. Armchairs are installed according to the scheme 2x2. The passenger capacity of the business cabin is 16 seats.
- From the 8th to the 36th row - an economy class of service, divided into two sectors. The first occupies row 8-22, the second - from 23 to 35. The seats are installed in a 3x3 layout (the exception is row 11, where seats are equipped according to the 2x3 scheme).
- Between 10-11 and 22-23 rows are emergency exits from the aircraft.
- In the bow of the aircraft there is a toilet for business class passengers. Two more bathrooms are located behind the partition of the 22nd row. They are designed for economy class travelers.
- On the 33rd-35th row, passenger seats are equipped with everything necessary for the transportation of bedridden patients and the disabled. For this category of citizens, a separate toilet is also provided, located in the tail section of the aircraft, behind row 35 seats.
In the Airbus A321, all seats in the business class have an extended boarding seat with a multifunctional backrest folding mechanism. This class of service creates a more relaxed atmosphere for a comfortable flight.
In the economy class there are also places of increased comfort. You can determine them according to the scheme of the cabin of the liner, on which the air flight will be carried out.
Features of seats in the Airbus A321 cabin for 170 seats (economy):
- 8, 19 row, as well as chairs F, A on the 19th row - places of increased comfort with increased legroom;
- seats on the 18th and 31st rows have a limitation on the deflection of the back of the chair (uncomfortable rows for flights);
- from 12 to 18 the row is missing beautiful view from the windows, hidden by the wings of the aircraft;
- 17, 18, 30, 31 row - worst places for air travel, located close to the toilet room.
The best and most inconvenient seats in the Airbus A321 for 167 seats in economy class:
- 8 row - comfortable for the location of the place with an increased step of space and special latches on the front standing partition for attaching the baby cradle;
- 11 row seats D, C, B - comfortable seats at emergency exits with extended legroom;
- 23 row - places of increased comfort;
- 22nd and 35th row - the last rows of economy classes, behind which are the toilet rooms;
- 33-35 row - places for passengers with disabilities.
Many air carriers offer their passengers the service of pre-booking the best seats in the cabin even at the stage of buying air tickets, as well as when checking in for a flight. For some tariffs, this service is provided free of charge.
Models and modifications of the Airbus 321
Airbus A321 is an extended version of the A320 passenger airliner with improved performance. For 2018, the company produces models of two modifications - A321-100 and A321-200.
A321-100 was developed in 1993, received certification in the same year and made its first flight. At the end of the year, mass production of liners of this model began.
A 321-200 is an identical aircraft of the Airbus family with increased flight range and takeoff weight. Its development began in 1994. The company received certification for the production of liners of this model two years later. In 1995, the first Airbus A321-200 was purchased by the German carrier Aero Lloyd. In 1996, the company began mass production, which continues to this year.
Which airlines operate the A321
Airbus A321 operated by several dozen airlines different countries the world, including carriers Russian Federation and CIS countries. In 2018, the manufacturer completed about 1,700 orders. Another 400 models are in the production phase.
Aeroflot
In 38 medium-haul passenger compartments with two types of cabin layout for 170 and 183 passenger seats.
S7 Airlines
The carrier's fleet includes 52 Airbuses of various models. On its flights, the company uses modern passenger liners A321 with a two-class cabin for 198 passengers and A321 NEO with a passenger capacity of 203 people.
North wind
Russian Nordwind airline operates eight passenger Airbuses models A321-200. The layout of the cabin is one economy class for 220 passenger seats.
Atlas global
The fleet of the Turkish carrier has 17 Airbuses A321 (5 units - A321-100 and 12 - A321-200). The number of passenger seats in cabins of different layouts is 200, 206 and 216. The carrier operates aircraft of various modifications with one-class and two-class cabins.
Ural Airlines
in Russian and international routes well-known carrier of the Russian Federation Ural Airlines operates modern passenger aircraft Airbus A321. The total number of units in the company's fleet for 2018 is 15. Economy single-class aircraft have 220 passenger seats.
Red Wings
In the park Russian airline Red Wings has five Airbus A321s with a single-class cabin layout. The total number of seats is 220.
Turkish Airlines
Turkey's major national carrier operates 43 Airbus A321-200s on its routes. The layout of the salons is one and two classes of service for 185 and 200 seats.
Etihad Airways
The well-known UAE carrier Etihad Airways operates 10 Airbuses A321-200 with two cabin layouts (economy + business and full economy). In the near future, the company's fleet should be replenished with several more aircraft of an improved format - A321 Neo. Salon capacity - 185/200 seats.
Qatar Airways
The national carrier of Qatar operates 7 Airbuses A321-200. Delivery of 50 Airbus A321 Neo aircraft is expected in 2019. The aircraft is equipped with comfortable cabins for two classes of service. The total number of passenger seats is 177, 12 of which are for business class passengers.
Air Astana
Air Astana is the only airline in Kazakhstan operating Airbuses A321 and A321Neo on its routes. The carrier's fleet includes 6 aircraft with different cabin layouts for 175 and 179 seats.
Yamal
Yamal Airlines has three Airbuses A321-200 in its own fleet. The economy class cabin can accommodate 220 passengers. There is no business class.
Wizz Air
Low cost European airline Wizz Air operates 32 Airbus A321-200s. In the near future, delivery of another 9 units of aircraft of this model is expected under a preliminary agreement with the manufacturer.
For more than 20 years, global air carriers have been using modern narrow-body airliners on their flights - Airbus A321 for low-cost passenger transportation on regular and charter flights. Aircraft with decent flight performance meet high international standards and are characterized by high reliability and safety for flights over distances up to 5950 km. Reviews of travelers about the aircraft of this model are positive.
The Airbus A321 is the largest of the entire range of narrow body aircraft manufactured by Airbus S.A.S. Also in the family of narrow-body models are the A318, 319 and 320. The narrow fuselage is only one passage in the cabin between the seats, located right in the middle. Airbus development year - 1993.
Versions of the Airbus 321 and their differences
There are two modifications this aircraft: A321-100 and A321-200. What is their difference? The first model was created in 1993. In the same year, the Airbus took off for the first time and passed the appropriate certification, after which it was put into mass production. A321-100 is produced to this day.
The A321-200, unlike its predecessor, has an increased flight range and takeoff weight. Its development took two years: from 1994 to 1996. Initially, it was developed as a competing airliner compared to the Boeing. Thanks to reliable technical data and characteristics, this aircraft is still being produced today. In 2015, the A321-200 was again improved: updated, more powerful engines were installed on it.
The layout of the passenger compartment
Depending on the degree of comfort, the capacity of the aircraft is 220 people when fully occupied and up to 170 in two economy and business class cabins. This is due to the increase in the length of the fuselage. The manufacturing company gives the right to the future operator to change the layout of seats and the distance between the seats at his own discretion, differing from the proposed scheme.
Economy class
Usually, the lion's share seats in an airliner are assigned to economy class due to its popularity. However, there are some nuances here too. For example, rows with limited seat and seat reclining superior comfort. For different airlines, these places may vary, but those located in the tail will always be considered the worst, regardless of the cabin layout. It is there that the toilet and the luggage compartment are located, the backs of the seats do not recline because of the wall, and, in addition, large queues often accumulate near the places of natural need.
Business Class
Tickets to the business class cabin are much more expensive than the economy class and such places do have advantages, but not all of them. Seats in the numbering of the first and seventh rows according to the standard plan will be slightly worse because they are close to the toilet, kitchen and economy class, which is usually packed to capacity with passengers.
Best Places
If we take a closer look at the diagrams Airbus cabins A321 of different airlines, it can be concluded that they are not much different from each other. For example, in business class, the best seats are from rows 2 to 6, because they are located almost in the middle.
In economy class, seats in row 8 are ideal for travel. Why? Due to the proximity to the emergency exit and the empty space near it. This means that you can safely stretch your legs without being afraid to inadvertently knock on the back of the seats of neighboring passengers. Plus, the distribution of drinks and food begins precisely from the beginning of the plane at the end, and passengers in the 8th row receive their lunch very first in economy class.
The 19th row, like the 8th row, is located next to the emergency exit, so there is also a lot of legroom. However, many passengers do not like these places because of the close proximity to the toilet.
The 20th row is in second place in terms of comfort: a lot of legroom, location near the porthole, you can easily get up and return to your chair without disturbing your neighbors. These places are best suited for traveling with a child.
Aircraft characteristics
The Airbus A321 aircraft is partly made of composite materials, due to which the strength of the hull has increased significantly in poor weather conditions and during overload. EFIS avionics systems, made in France, warn in time about malfunctions in engines and on-board systems.
Design features
Additional electronic equipment allows pilots to maintain the necessary navigation, which greatly reduces the likelihood that the aircraft will deviate from the intended course, especially in difficult conditions.
Main specifications Airbus 321:
Flight data:
History of creation
It was decided to create the Airbus A-321 aircraft as an improved modification of the previous A-320 model. Modification A-321-200 has, in addition to an improved maximum flight range and takeoff weight, an increased volume of an additional fuel tank installed in the tail, which means that the airliner will be able to do without refueling longer. It also has an advanced braking system that makes it safer to travel.
Airbus was the first to use the so-called "sharklets", which are the wingtips of an aircraft used to save money when building an airliner. Currently, many older Airbus models, built relatively recently, are also equipped with sharklets.
Where is it produced
Airbus is headquartered in the European Union. All old aircraft models were produced in France, in southern city Toulouse. But it was decided to build the A321 at a new plant in Hamburg (Germany), equipped with all the necessary modern equipment. The production exists to this day, producing a line of narrow-body airliners.
The cost of different models
To date, the price of airbuses is constantly increasing due to the increasing exchange rate of world currencies. Now the airbus 321-200 model can be purchased for $116 million, and the latest modification of the A321neo for $127 million. This is the nominal average cost.
Compared to previous years, aircraft prices have increased markedly. Also, the older the model of the airliner, the cheaper it is. For example, the A318 aircraft, which can accommodate up to 132 passengers, currently costs $75.9 million.
News, modernization, prospects
Modern production and progress in mechanical engineering does not stand still. Airbus has developed a new and improved model of the Airbus, giving it the name A321neo. Neo stands for "New Engine Option", which means "new engine option".
The main difference of the modified A321neo family is the new engines, which reduce fuel consumption by 15%, emissions into the atmosphere by 10% and operating costs by 8%. This is a difference compared to the previous A321 models, created in the 90s of the 20th century.
Ural Airlines owns 10 Airbus A321 aircraft (Airbus A321). The liners are far from new: from 1998 to 2006 of release. Board numbers aircraft: VQ-BOF, VQ-BKJ, VQ-BKH, VQ-BKG, VQ-BDA, VQ-BOC, VQ-BCX, VQ-BOB, VQ-BOZ, VP-BVP.
Absolutely all liners were purchased from operating airlines, that is, already “used”. Former users include companies such as: MyTravel, Cyprus Turkish Airlines(KTHY), Atlasjet, Aviation Capital Group (ACG), Solaris Airlines, Air Jamaica, Turkuaz Airlines, ILFC, Airworld, Flying Colors Airlines, Air Mediterranee and some others. Most of the aircraft, before being acquired by Ural Airlines, flew for at least three airlines.
All 10 aircraft have a single-class configuration with 220 economy class seats. The company has a similar configuration Nordwind Airlines(the aircraft will also accommodate 220 passengers). The cabin layout is available on the official website of Ural Airlines:
Let's try to study the scheme in more detail and highlight the best and worst places in the layout of this aircraft.
Row 1. These are good places. The front rows are always one of the best seats on an airplane. Although the distance to the partition is small (you can’t stretch your legs far), there is more space for your knees than in standard rows. Also a plus is the fact that no one will throw a chair on you. In conditions of close seating in economy class, this is a significant advantage. In addition, in the forefront there are practically no problems with air conditioning. What we will not say, for example, about the rows in the tail of the aircraft.
The disadvantages of the first row include the presence in the immediate vicinity of the kitchen and toilets. Extra movement and smells can somewhat spoil the impression of the flight. Also, a partition will loom in front of your eyes all the way.
Row 10. There are comments for this series. The backs of the seats here are limited in reclining, as there is an emergency exit behind. Not very comfortable to fly in one back position.
Row 11. The best seats on this plane are in front of the emergency exit. The front row seats are locked so they won't recline on you. There's also plenty of legroom, as the emergency exit increases the distance to the front row. There are only 4 seats in a row, so it is convenient to fly as a couple or a family of 4 people.
There are also disadvantages, although not significant. Some passengers note that it is a little colder here. Apparently from behind the emergency exit door. Also, for safety reasons, aisles in a row cannot be laid with hand luggage. Passengers with small children, the elderly, the disabled, pregnant women and passengers with animals will not be placed on the 11th row.
Row 12. Seats A and F. Due to the missing seats in the front row, there is a lot of legroom here. For the same reasons, no one will lean back on you.
However, pay attention. According to passenger reviews, in some aircraft in the 11th row there are additional seats A and F. In this case, these seats will no longer have all the above benefits listed. Please check with the front desk for details.
Row 25. For the same reasons as in the 10th row, the seat backs are locked and do not recline.
Row 26. good places for flight, have the same advantages as the 11th row. Only there are not four, but all six seats in a row. Seats A and F have characteristic disadvantages - there may be no armrests on the side of the aircraft wall. Also, those who like to stare out the window of the aircraft may be disappointed, since the window is either missing here or not located very conveniently.
Row 37 Seat D. The chair is extreme to the aisle, and due to the close location of the toilets, passengers will constantly touch you here.
Row 37 and 38. One of the worst places. The row rests against the wall of the toilet, so the backs of the seats are limited in reclining. There are always a lot of people, there are always queues and there is an unpleasant smell. Not infrequently in the last row there are problems with air conditioning - it is either stuffy or cold here.
Ural Airlines is owned by a company with experience gained over many years of work. The main activity is passenger and cargo air transportation. The aircraft fleet consists of modern and comfortable Airbus aircraft.
During 2017, Ural Airlines purchased an Airbus A321 equipped with sharklet-type wings. This design allows you to increase the flight range and improves aerodynamic characteristics.
It is important to know that the same year was the beginning of a project to upgrade the passenger seats of the entire fleet. Passengers of the airline now travel on comfortable and modern chairs.
Salon scheme
The configuration of the passenger cabin of the Airbus A321 of Ural Airlines is the same for each aircraft. Let's take a closer look at the cabin layout to find out which places will be the best for a pleasant trip.
Economy class
The plan of the Airbus A321 aircraft is 220 seats, one class, arranged in 38 rows. In one row, for the most part, there are six seats placed three on each side of the aisle.
So, let's start from the 1st row, these places are considered good. There are no neighbors ahead who will definitely recline their seat in front of you, which obviously creates some inconvenience. At the same time, there is a little more space here than in other rows due to the small distance between the seats. In addition, in front, as a rule, there is more fresh air, thanks to normal air conditioning, which cannot be said about the last rows.
But there are drawbacks here, there are more seats, because there is a partition in front, and not the passenger seats, if the flight is long, this can cause tension. Not everyone will like the location of the wall, right in front of the face. These places are not suitable for those who are afraid of confined spaces, as such a feeling may appear. The fresher air can also be spoiled by odors coming from the galley or lavatory just behind the partition. The same reason can create noise, rapid movement.
From the 2nd to the 9th row, the places will be the most common. They are not particularly comfortable. The seat back reclines like most. But there is an advantage for those who sit near the porthole. The view overboard will be in full view, which cannot be said about the places near the wing.
Attention! On the seats located in front of the emergency exit, the seat backs do not recline or are in a limited position.
There is an explanation for this, they are motionless for security purposes. Since in the case emergency, the exit must be free. Reclined seats will be an obstacle, the elimination of which will have to spend precious time.
Such seats are located on the 10th and 25th rows, the lack of the ability to recline will force you to sit in one position for the entire flight.
There are only two seats in the 11th row, they are ideal for those who travel together. These are places of increased comfort. They are located after the emergency exit. Thanks to this, they have additional space, which will undoubtedly come in handy when you want to stretch your legs and sit comfortably. In addition, the front row seats do not recline. At this point, you can safely get up if you need to get out without disturbing your neighbor.
There are also disadvantages here, one of them is that the folding tables are built into the armrests, because of this they are motionless. For safety reasons, it is not allowed to put on the floor hand luggage. Instead of a window, there is an emergency exit. For this reason, it can be cooler here than in other places.
For security reasons, these places will not be put in:
- Passengers with small children;
- pregnant women;
- Passengers with disabilities.
- Old people;
- Passengers with animals.
On the 12th row, seats A and F will also be different extra bed for legs, due to the lack of front seats.
The 26th row has the same advantages as 11, only in this row there are not two, but three seats on each side of the aisle.
In the 37th row, place D is the most inconvenient, because it has an unfortunate location, it is too close to the toilet and the aisle.
Rows 37 and 38 are the worst places. The backs of the seats here do not recline, they rest against the back wall, behind which the toilet is located. In this regard, an unpleasant smell, constant movement of people, will accompany you throughout the flight.
Choosing the best seat in the Airbus A321 Ural Airlines
All the same, there are places that are the most comfortable and have more advantages than disadvantages. Of these, I would like to highlight:
- All seats in the 1st row;
- In the 11th row - B, C, D, E;
- All places are 26 rows.
Bad places: how not to make a mistake
There are places that have an unfortunate location, are not comfortable, it is better not to choose such places, these are:
- All seats in the 10th row;
- In the 25th row places: B, C, D, E;
- In the 37th row: A, B, C, D;
- Seats E, F in the 38th row.
For technical reasons, the most successful location for the flight will be in the bow of the airliner, since here, the noise from the aircraft engines is the least heard.
The most calm will be the middle part of the cabin, there is not so much chatter and turbulence is less noticeable. For those who have aerophobia issues, seats in the middle will be the most acceptable.
The tail section of the aircraft is considered the most uncomfortable. The salon in the back narrows, because of this, the space is reduced and the bathrooms are located close. Despite all the shortcomings, this part of the cabin is the safest. Statistics show that most of the survivors were in the tail section of the aircraft.
If you want to enjoy the view overboard, you should take seats A and F. But the seats near the windows are popular only during the daytime, since you won’t see anything at night. Although, during takeoff and landing, even at night you can see a beautiful picture of the burning lanterns of a luminous city. Also, these places are chosen by those who are going to sleep for the entire flight and not get up.
