The A318 has been approved by EASA to fly Steep Approaches up to 5.5 degrees having successfully demonstrated the 'abuse case' of 7.5 degrees. It is an optional fit that requires a software change with the installation of a push button on the flight deck as the only hardware change. The software changes enable speed control to be easily maintained - whist still keeping plenty of lift for the flare - via judicious use of the upper wing spoiler surfaces.
It lands like a feather and goes up like a very quiet rocket!