narrowbody

Narrowbody refers to fixed-wing aircraft designed with a single passenger aisle and a single passenger deck. These aircraft are typically used for short- to medium-haul routes and are smaller in capacity and wingspan than widebody aircraft. Cabin widths generally range around 3 to 4 meters, and seating is commonly configured in a 2-2 or 3-3 layout, with total passenger capacity typically from about 100 to 230 depending on the model and configuration. The term contrasts with widebody aircraft, which have two aisles and greater capacity for longer, intercontinental missions.

Most narrowbodies are twin-engine jets, optimized for fuel efficiency, high utilization, and lower operating costs. They are designed for high-frequency services on regional, domestic, and some transcontinental routes. Range and payload vary by model, but many are capable of covering typical domestic networks and shorter international hops; some variants offer extended range to support longer routes or point-to-point services on busy corridors (for example, long-range versions of popular families).

Notable aircraft families in the narrowbody category include the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 families, which form the backbone of many fleets worldwide. Other widely used narrowbodies include the Embraer E-Jets family and the Airbus A220. The narrowbody segment is dominated by two major manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, with a market emphasis on commonality within families to reduce training and maintenance costs.

In airline operations, narrowbody aircraft are favored for high-frequency service and hub-and-spoke or point-to-point networks on shorter routes, benefiting from lower trip costs and shorter turnarounds compared with widebody aircraft. Continued advances in engines, aerodynamics, and cabin design aim to further improve efficiency and range within the narrowbody category.