According to Aviation Week, Airbus is intensifying its analysis of the potential development of an extended version of the A220 aircraft. The main dilemma is whether the existing engine will suffice for new requirements or if an entirely new propulsion system will be needed.
As the aviation market recovers and adapts to carriers’ increasingly dynamic needs, the European aircraft manufacturer is exploring options to make the A220 more competitive in the 150- to 180-seat segment. An extended version of the model could fill the gap between the current A220 variants and the larger A320neo family, potentially even competing with the A320 and 737 MAX 8, depending on its configuration.
Industry sources report that Airbus is currently focused on an in-depth analysis of the performance of the existing Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engine. While the engine meets the specifications of the current A220-100 and A220-300 versions, there are questions about whether it has sufficient power and efficiency for a possible stretch of the aircraft. The possibility of developing a new engine variant—or even collaborating with other engine manufacturers—is also being considered.
The decision on whether the new aircraft, informally dubbed the “A220 Stretch,” will use the existing engine or a completely new one will not only impact the technical aspects of the aircraft but also the development timeline and overall market viability of the project. A new engine would involve additional certification challenges, whereas retaining the existing one would accelerate the process, but could potentially limit performance.
Development teams at Airbus are working closely with key A220 operators to understand their future needs and expectations. Many airlines have already expressed interest in a larger A220 variant, especially those seeking a modern, cost-efficient aircraft for medium-haul routes. An added benefit for carriers would be full crew commonality, allowing the same crews to operate all three aircraft versions within the 120 to 180-seat segment.
According to Aviation Week, no final decision has been made yet, but Airbus is expected to reveal more concrete plans regarding the A220 Stretch in the coming months. This decision could have far-reaching implications for the narrow-body aircraft market, which is increasingly focused on greater efficiency, reduced emissions, and more flexible seating configurations. Projections suggest that the aircraft could enter service as early as 2030.
In the meantime, the aviation industry is closely watching developments, aware that a new member of the A220 family could further solidify Airbus’s position in the global market.
