Airbus Studies A220 Stretch Variant and Engine Requirements

Airbus Advances Development of Stretched A220 Variant Amid Engine and Market Challenges

Progress and Market Demand

At the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, Airbus Canada CEO Benoît Schultz announced that the company expects to complete “very advanced studies” on a stretched version of its A220 aircraft by the end of the year. This larger variant, initially conceived by Bombardier, remains under careful evaluation as Airbus balances technical complexities and market demand before committing to a formal launch. The proposed aircraft, designed to seat approximately 180 passengers, would position itself alongside the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737-8 in terms of capacity.

Pressure from key customers such as Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, and Air France has intensified calls for Airbus to proceed with the stretch. Schultz expressed his support for the project, indicating that the aircraft could enter service shortly after 2030 to meet evolving market needs. He conveyed growing confidence that the stretched A220 would offer significant value to airlines seeking efficient narrowbody options.

Technical and Supply Chain Considerations

Despite the positive outlook, Airbus faces considerable challenges, chief among them the question of engine requirements. The current A220-100 and A220-300 models are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines, but Airbus is exploring the possibility of introducing a second engine supplier for the stretched variant. This decision carries substantial implications for the supply chain and program costs, particularly in an industry still grappling with engine supply constraints. While Airbus’s recent efforts to reset its supply chain have yielded encouraging results, securing dependable engine deliveries—especially from CFM International—remains a critical focus.

Range considerations also play a pivotal role in the development process. The existing A220-300 offers a range of 3,400 nautical miles, but some airlines, including Air France and Delta, have indicated that such extended range is not a priority for the stretched model, favoring minimal alterations instead. Schultz noted that aside from potentially adopting a higher-thrust engine, no major structural changes are anticipated. The wing will maintain its current dimensions, though it may undergo retwisting to optimize aerodynamics.

Competitive Landscape and Additional Variants

Airbus is also mindful of competitive pressures as Boeing and Embraer explore similar narrowbody developments. The Embraer E195-E2, for instance, currently accommodates up to 146 passengers, underscoring the intensifying competition in this segment.

In parallel with the stretch study, Airbus is advancing a 160-seat high-density version of the A220-300, a configuration originally envisioned by Bombardier. This variant, which adds 11 seats beyond the current maximum, is slated to enter service in 2027. Certification will require an evacuation test and the installation of a second overwing emergency exit, along with two additional rows of seats. Schultz revealed that two airlines have expressed interest in this configuration, with one believed to be AirAsia, though Airbus has not officially confirmed their identities. Other modifications, such as rerouted wiring, are expected to be manageable within the existing design framework.

Looking ahead, Schultz, who will assume the role of Airbus’s head of procurement in October, highlighted the company’s optimistic forecast for new aircraft deliveries, which has risen to 43,420 units over the next two decades. As Airbus Canada scales up production, the outcome of the A220 stretch study and its associated engine strategy will be closely monitored by both customers and competitors alike.