Airbus advances key technologies for next-generation single-aisle aircraft

During the 2025 Airbus Summit, Airbus updated its roadmap for commercial aviation in the decades to come. The company outlined potential technology bricks to prepare a next-generation single-aisle aircraft that could enter service in the second half of the 2030s and its revised roadmap to mature the technologies associated with hydrogen-powered flight.

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. The aircraft will also be capable of flying with up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Airbus also unveiled new design concepts showcasing the different configurations studied for this future aircraft.

Technologies include more efficient engines, including open fan designs (pictured); 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 Programmes Bruno Fichefeux stated, "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."

(article source: Airbus / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)
(image source: Airbus)