During the 2025 Airbus Summit, Airbus provided an update on its roadmap to pioneer the future of commercial aviation in the decades to come. Airbus outlined potential technology bricks to prepare a next-generation single-aisle aircraft that could enter service in the second half of the 2030s.
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Airbus provided more details regarding the key technology building blocks that could enable the entry into service of a next-generation single-aisle aircraft with an expected 20-30% increase in fuel efficiency compared with the current generation, as well as the capability to fly with up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Airbus also unveiled new design concepts that showcase the different configurations being studied for this future aircraft, highlighting the various potential solutions that are being explored in order to achieve this major leap forward in aircraft efficiency, and support the aviation sector’s roadmap towards net-zero emissions in 2050.
Technologies include more efficient engines, including disruptive open fan designs; long foldable wings allowing for significant aerodynamic gains; next-generation batteries to enable hybrid architectures where electricity is increasingly used to support propulsive and non-propulsive functions aboard the aircraft’ and lightweight materials and integrated systems for a connected aircraft.
Airbus Head of Future Programs, Bruno Fichefeux, says: “Every second, an Airbus aircraft takes off – connecting people, cargo and business around the world. We have the most advanced aircraft portfolio in the market and the A321XLR is at the very forefront of today’s single-aisle aircraft technology. Now we are taking the best of what we’ve done and preparing another jump to make our single-aisle aircraft even better and pioneer the future of flight, when the time is right.”