Airbus Poised to Launch Stretched A220-500 at Farnborough Airshow
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Airbus is reportedly likely to launch the stretched A220-500 aircraft at the July Farnborough Air Show to meet airline demand for higher passenger capacity.
Key Takeaways
- •Targets Farnborough Air Show for potential A220-500 launch announcement.
- •Stretches A220-300 airframe to increase capacity to approximately 165 seats.
- •Responds to demand from key operators like Delta Air Lines and Air France.
- •Fills a market gap between the current A220-300 and the larger A320neo aircraft.
Airbus is reportedly leaning toward a formal launch of a stretched A220-500 aircraft, with a potential announcement timed for the Farnborough Air Show scheduled for July 22-26, 2024. The new variant would expand on the successful A220-300 platform, primarily targeting airlines seeking increased passenger capacity on popular routes.
Addressing Airline Demand
The development of the A220-500 addresses direct interest from major operators who see a gap in their fleets for a larger, highly efficient narrow-body jet. Key customers like Delta Air Lines, the largest A220 operator, and Air France have expressed a need for an aircraft that offers more seating than the current A220-300, which typically seats between 130 and 160 passengers. According to a report from Leeham News, the proposed A220-500 could accommodate approximately 165 passengers in a single-class layout, with potential to reach 180 seats in a high-density configuration.
Delta Air Lines currently has a total firm order for 131 A220s, while Air France placed an order for 60 A220-300s in 2019, according to Airbus data. A larger variant would allow these carriers to optimize capacity on routes where the A220-300 is nearing its limit but where the larger A320neo is not required.
Program Origins and Strategy
The A220 program, originally developed by Bombardier as the CSeries, was acquired by Airbus in July 2018. The aircraft has been recognized for its fuel efficiency, offering a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft. This aligns with the broader industry trend of fleet modernization focused on reducing operating costs and environmental impact.
Industry analysis suggests Airbus is favoring a "simple stretch" of the existing A220-300 airframe. This approach trades some range for increased capacity and is seen as a lower-risk, faster-to-market option compared to a more complex redesign involving a new wing or more powerful engines. While a stretched A220-500 could create some overlap with the lower end of the manufacturer's own A320neo family, it would primarily fill a niche for airlines that do not require the full range and capacity of the A320neo.
What Comes Next
A formal announcement for the A220-500 program is subject to final board approval and confirmed launch customer commitments. The Farnborough Air Show provides a high-profile venue for such a launch, a common practice for major airframers. If Airbus proceeds, the A220-500 would further solidify the manufacturer's position in the growing single-aisle aircraft market, which is projected to reach over $222 billion by 2030. More details on the aircraft's specifications and entry-into-service timeline would be expected following any official program launch. For more information on the current platform, see the official Airbus A220 Family page.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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