Part 4/9:
The launch of the A320 in 1984, designed explicitly to rival Boeing's 737, became a cornerstone of Airbus's success. Technological innovations such as sidestick controls and fly-by-wire systems positioned the A320 as a frontrunner in the narrow-body sector. Despite early challenges, including accidents that impacted public perception, the A320 eventually carved out a substantial niche in the U.S. market, which had been dominated by Boeing.