THE ENGINE CHOICE BECAME PART OF THE FAMILY STORY
The first airline A320s used the CFM56-5A. Later CFM56-5B developments broadened the engine offering across the family; the manufacturer dates introduction of the -5B to 1994. A generic caption saying only CFM56 therefore hides a meaningful distinction. The early engine on a launch-era photograph and the -5B associated with later ceo aircraft belong to the same broad family, but are not the same model. [181, CFM56-5A service in 1988; CFM56-5B introduction in 1994]
International Aero Engines offered a separate route. Its product chronology places V2500-A1 revenue service in May 1989, followed by -A5 developments for the growing family. Airlines were choosing an engine and its commercial support package as well as an airframe. For a simulator reader, that explains why the CFM and IAE variants deserve separate technical treatment: the difference has an industrial and operating history behind it, rather than being a cosmetic choice of nacelle. [185]
The prototype A320 lifts off on 22 February 1987. Its early engine fit should not be confused with a later ceo configuration. Photograph: Airbus; date confirmed by image metadata. [182]