About the Airbus A310
Airbus launched the A310 in 1978, and the aircraft first flew in April 1982. The shorter fuselage carried fewer passengers than the A300. Airbus introduced the longer-range A310-300 in July 1985 with winglets and a higher maximum takeoff weight.
Seating capacity
Airbus’s airport planning manual shows an all-economy layout with 237 seats for the A310-200 and one with 243 seats for the A310-300. A later drawing shows 265 seats. Each figure describes a specific configuration. The number of seats on an individual aircraft depends on its cabin layout.
Cabin layout
The A310 has two aisles. The 237-seat example in the Airbus manual shows eight seats across, with a pair by each window and four seats between the aisles. The plan also shows where the exits, galleys and lavatories sit. Use the airline’s seat map to check the exact row on a particular flight.
How to recognize an Airbus A310
Look for a broad, relatively short fuselage with one engine under each wing. The A310-300 introduced winglets to the family. The A300 shares the twin-engine widebody shape, so the registration and full model name are better guides when the aircraft is hard to distinguish in a photo.
Variants and related aircraft
The A310-200 came first, followed by the longer-range A310-300. The FAA groups the CC-150 Polaris under A310 as well. The related A300-600 uses the separate code A306.
Frequently asked questions
How many seats does an Airbus A310 have?
Airbus publishes sample plans with 237, 243 and 265 seats. For the seat count or row layout on a specific flight, consult the airline’s seat map.
Is the Airbus A310 the same as the A300?
The A310 was developed from the A300. It has a shorter fuselage and a different wing, and it uses its own aircraft type code.