Airbus considers high-density A220 and 'stretched version'

At each Paris Air Show in recent years, Airbus has been faced with the idea of ​​a larger-capacity A220. The aircraft originally developed by Bombardier was launched in two variants, the A220-100 (CS 100) and the A220-300 (CS 300).

While the former can carry 120 to 135 passengers, the latter is theoretically capable of seating 135 to 160, but there are no operators with this maximum configuration because it would be in conflict with emergency evacuation procedures.

To satisfy the desires of some customers, the planemaker has been evaluating a stretched A220, informally called the ‘A220-500’.

Airbus also considered an A221, an aircraft derived from the A220 with new wings and engines, but the cost of the project and the possible long time to certify it appear to have put the idea on hold.

The Toulouse-based company is now working on two proposals, according to recent reports.

The first and simplest would be to certify the A220-300 for a high-density configuration. This, however, would require two more emergency exits over the wings in order to meet regulatory requirements.

With this, EASA is expected to increase the maximum capacity of the aircraft from 149 to 160 seats, which could attract orders from low-cost airlines.

A220-500 with shorter range

The other front being considered is to launch a simpler A220-500, simply stretching the fuselage but keeping the current GTF engine and the family’s wings.

The result would be a heavier jet with a shorter range, one of its main attributes.

This configuration seems to go against the needs of US airlines such as JetBlue and Breeze Airways, but it would serve carriers that operate shorter-haul routes and are looking for a more efficient aircraft.

A potential region for the ‘A220-500’ would be Europe, where the A220 has secured orders from airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, airBaltic, ITA Airways and LOT Polish Airlines.

The simplified version would also have the advantage of faster certification.

Although the Paris Air Show is the stage for good orders for the Canadian-made jet, the A220 program continues to be loss-making and with a modest order book compared to Airbus’ ambitions.

About the Author

Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

Articles by the author »