Analysts and Airbus Clash Over Airbus A220-500 Launch at Paris Air Show

There seems to be a disagreement between analysts and Airbus regarding the potential launch of the Airbus A220-500, a stretched variant of the A220 aircraft, at the upcoming Paris Air Show.

According to Bank of America analysts, there is a possibility that Airbus may announce the A220-500 during the trade event scheduled at Paris–Le Bourget Airport (LBG) between June 19 and June 25, 2023. However, Airbus has stated that there are no current plans for new products in the current environment.

A spokesperson for Airbus told Reuters that the launch of the A220-500 is uncertain, and two sources close to the matter also ruled out an announcement at the Paris Air Show.

Both Airbus and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, which produces the PW1500G engine, the sole engine option for the A220, have faced supply chain challenges in recent months. Airbus missed its delivery target for 2022 and CEO Guillaume Faury highlighted the persistent tensions in the supply chain.

Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney’s PW1000G engine family, including the PW1500G used in the A220, has encountered ongoing issues, resulting in lengthy maintenance times and grounding of PW1000G-powered aircraft, including the PW1500G-powered Airbus A220s.

Reports suggest that Airbus may delay the launch of the A220-500 until 2024 or 2025, according to Brian Davidson of AirGuide Business.

Out of the 271 Airbus A220s delivered to airlines so far, data from ch-aviation.com indicates that 62 are currently in storage or undergoing maintenance, including testbeds and aircraft used by the manufacturer.