First debuted in 2002, the A318 is the smallest A320-series variant and, before the A220’s introduction, was the smallest Airbus aircraft. Over the years, the so-called ‘baby bus’ has become increasingly rare.
British Airways retired its A318s in July 2020, which were exclusively used to operate all business class flights between New York and London City. Frontier — the type’s launch customer — removed the A318 in 2013.
Now, only two airlines still fly the A318. According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, Air France has a fleet of six with an average age of 19 years old.
The French carrier plans to retire the sub-fleet next year as more A220s enter the fleet. Air France’s A318s are largely used on domestic and short-haul flights within Europe.
Romania’s TAROM is slated to retire its single remaining A318 by the end of October 2024. Registered as YR-ASA, the aircraft is scheduled to operate through Oct. 26, per Aeroroutes.
Its last routes include Bucharest to Istanbul and London Heathrow. The financially troubled state airline opted to sell its four remaining A318s just weeks ago as part of a restructuring effort.
Airbus built just 80 A318s, which typically seat between 90 and 110 passengers. The aircraft are still used in different VIP configurations.
