Airbus A320 / A321 Type Rating Guide
A318 · A319 · A320 · A321 · A320neo · A321neo
Key operators
easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Air France, IndiGo, Air Arabia, flydubai, TAP, Vueling, American Airlines, United Airlines
Licence & eligibility requirements
Frozen ATPL or ATPL (CPL + IR accepted at some training organisations)
Training structure
Aircraft type theory (8 technical subjects), simulator training (SIM1–SIM4), OPC, Line Check
Approved training organisations
Airbus Training Centre (Toulouse), CAE (various), FlightSafety International, TRU Simulation, CAE Oxford, LAPL/MCC providers across Europe
Demand outlook
Very high. The A320 family is the world's best-selling narrowbody. Type rating shortage projected globally through 2028.
Key facts
The A320 family is operated by over 400 airlines worldwide — the most widespread narrowbody type rating.
The A320neo uses CFM LEAP or Pratt & Whitney GTF engines; the type rating covers both engine variants.
Cross-crew qualification (CCQ) allows A320-rated pilots to add A330/A340 ratings with significantly reduced training.
Many LCCs (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz) offer self-sponsored type rating schemes where the cost is offset against a training bond.
EASA regulations require a minimum of 40 hours of simulator training for initial type rating on multi-crew aircraft.