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Airbus considers future designs amid speculation on potential A390

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Airbus considers future designs amid speculation on potential A390
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Airbus A350 | Simple Flying

Airbus has not introduced a new aircraft family since the Airbus A350 was launched over ten years ago. Speculation suggests that Airbus might be developing a new widebody design, potentially named the Airbus A390, following its typical naming conventions. However, no official announcements have been made by the company.

The success of the A350 program, with nearly 1,400 orders and over 650 deliveries, indicates that there is no immediate need for Airbus to develop a new widebody family. The A350 covers the 300-400 passenger market effectively and continues to receive orders. Meanwhile, the A330neo serves the 260-310 seat market.

There is speculation about whether Airbus would consider an ultra-high-capacity aircraft or something in the midsize category for any future development. Current engine technology and costs make it unlikely that another quadjet widebody will be developed soon.

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A potential gap exists between the A321neo and the A330neo in Airbus's commercial aircraft portfolio. The A321LR seats up to 244 passengers in an all-economy layout but typically accommodates 180-220 passengers in two classes. On the other hand, Boeing's clean-sheet midsize aircraft concept remains uncertain.

Rolls-Royce's UltraFan engine has been suggested as a possible power source for a large new Airbus aircraft. This engine is still in demonstration but promises significant fuel efficiency improvements.

While rumors have circulated about an extra-large three-decker aircraft capable of seating at least 800 passengers, these remain unconfirmed by Airbus. It seems more plausible that if Airbus were to pursue an ultra-high-capacity model, it would aim for something between existing models like the A350/777 and A380/747.

Despite ongoing speculation about various options for a future aircraft, including re-engined versions of existing models or stretched designs like an extended version of the A350 known as the "A350-2000," no concrete plans have been announced by Airbus yet.

In a recent interview with AviationWeek, Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, mentioned that stretching current models could be more cost-effective than developing entirely new families: "It will probably be a natural evolution of product line."

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