Airbus Rules Out Launch of Stretched A220-500 Jetliner at Paris Airshow

Airbus may delay the launch of the A220-500 until 2024 or 2025. Airbus has confirmed that it will not be introducing a stretched version of its A220 jetliner at the upcoming Paris Airshow, dispelling speculation surrounding the launch. Although a larger variant of the 110-130-seat passenger plane has been under consideration for some time, Airbus stated that it is currently focusing on the A220-100 and A220-300 models, with the launch of a new variant not being a priority in the current environment.

According to an Airbus spokesperson, resolving recent industrial delays takes precedence, given the ongoing pressures on the supply chain. The spokesperson reiterated that while a new A220 version is inevitable, it will not be introduced at this time. Speculation arose when a Bank of America note suggested that Airbus would unveil the A220-500 during the June 19-25 event near Paris, but industry sources have ruled out an air show announcement.

A larger version of the A220 program, which Airbus acquired from Bombardier in 2018, would allow the company to renegotiate supplier contracts and reduce overall production costs, as the current production has been incurring losses. Additionally, it would present competition to the Boeing 737-8 MAX.

However, the introduction of a larger A220 would encroach on the market currently served by Airbus’s profitable 150-seat A320neo, a key component of its narrow-body family.

Airbus anticipates that the demand for narrow-body jets will primarily shift towards the larger A321neo size, where it is already outperforming the largest models of the Boeing 737 MAX. Industry sources suggest that the launch of the A220-500 will likely occur in the mid-2020s, with the aircraft expected to enter service around 2030, potentially featuring new wings and engines.

This strategic move could lead to a division in the narrow-body market between Airbus and Boeing, with Airbus replacing the A320neo first and addressing the replacement for the A321neo at a later stage using newer technology. However, such a decision may affect the compatibility, which is currently a significant selling point for narrow-body jets.

Airbus has expressed openness to considering different engine options for a new A220 version, including offers from CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Safran, in addition to its current supplier, Pratt & Whitney.