Name: Airbus A318
Brand: Airbus

The smallest member of the A320 family, nicknamed the Baby Bus. While commercially less successful with only 79 built, it found niche applications including British Airways premium all-business London City to New York service.

Passengers

107-132

Range

3,573 mi

Cruise Speed

515 mph

First Flight

2002

Did You Know?

British Airways operated A318s on a unique steep-approach route from London City Airport to New York JFK, requiring special pilot certification.

History & Timeline

Key Milestones

2002

First Flight

The A318 completed its maiden flight on January 15, 2002, from Hamburg-Finkenwerder, the shortest member of the A320 family at just 31.4 meters.

2003

Entry into Service

Frontier Airlines became the first operator of the A318 in July 2003, though the type would find limited commercial success with only 79 built.

Development Story

Program Launch

Airbus launched the A318 as the smallest member of the A320 family, initially called the A319M3 before receiving its own designation.

London City to New York

British Airways operated A318s on a unique all-business service from Londons City Airport to New York JFK, the only transatlantic route from the short-runway downtown airport, requiring special steep-approach pilot certification.

Interesting Facts

Baby Bus Nickname

Aviation enthusiasts nicknamed the A318 the Baby Bus due to its position as the smallest Airbus, though it still offered the same wide cabin as its larger siblings.