While some airlines await a decision on the development of a stretched Airbus A220, the manufacturer is preparing to increase the capacity of the existing A220-300 variant to 160 seats. The configuration, expected to receive certification in 2028, is also attracting European airlines, Aviation Week reports.

The ten-seat capacity increase will be enabled by an additional overwing exit on each side of the aircraft to meet passenger evacuation requirements. Certification will be overseen by Transport Canada. In May, AirAsia ordered 150 A220s with the planned 160-seat layout, securing a major launch customer for the configuration.

According to Johan Pelissier, Airbus president for the European region and head of commercial Europe, approximately 30–40% of the sales campaigns he is following in the European market involve potential interest in this cabin layout. Speaking to Aviation Week during the European Regions Airline Association’s general assembly in Belfast, he explained that demand is coming from both existing A220 operators and airlines that have yet to introduce the type.

Airbus identifies Turkish Airlines as one of its most significant potential customers. Pelissier considers the discussions with the Turkish carrier strategically important, as the A220 would fill the smaller single-aisle segment currently absent from its fleet.

Meanwhile, the development of a larger variant, provisionally known as the A220-500, remains an open question. Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada and Lufthansa have expressed interest in such an aircraft. Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and an adviser to AirAsia, previously identified a stretched A220 with 185 seats as the aircraft the airline wants. Airbus acknowledges the market demand but is prioritising increased production of the existing A220-100 and A220-300 variants. Pelissier nevertheless indicated that launching the new programme is primarily a question of timing, although no final decision has been made.

Airbus aims to reach a production rate of 13 A220s per month by 2028. By comparison, it delivered 75 aircraft in 2024 and 93 in 2025. The production ramp-up will be supported by a 6,221-square-metre expansion of the wing manufacturing facility in Belfast, scheduled for completion in the first half of 2028. According to figures reported by Aviation Week, the order backlog comprises approximately 1,000 A220-300s and 100 smaller A220-100s.

Alongside production capacity, engine availability remains important for existing operators, following problems that have led to aircraft groundings. Pelissier says engine durability is improving and expects groundings caused by a shortage of spare engines to end in 2027. If realised, this Airbus forecast would allow airlines to plan fleet utilisation more reliably.