Quantcast

Airbus considers future designs amid speculation on potential A390

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Airbus considers future designs amid speculation on potential A390
Policy
Webp a350s
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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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."

Organizations Included in this History
More News

United Airlines has revived its hub at Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) as of fall 2024, launching new services to various Asian destinations.

Jul 3, 2025

Boeing's Dreamlifter, a modified 747-400 aircraft, plays a crucial role in the global supply chain for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

Jul 3, 2025

Flying Food Group emphasizes the role of food as a connector.

Jul 3, 2025

The Flying Food Group's team at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is being recognized for their efforts.

Jul 3, 2025

A company is seeking a Financial Controller to join its team in Seattle, WA.

Jul 3, 2025

We are looking for a dispatcher to join our team in Inglewood, CA.

Jul 3, 2025