Airbus advances work on future single-aisle jet and hydrogen aircraft

Airbus is moving forward with work on a future single-aisle aircraft planned for launch in 2030 and entry into service in 2035, according to Bruno Fichefeux, the company's head of future programs.

Fichefeux said Airbus is working on wing aerodynamics, engines and lighter materials, with a goal of cutting fuel consumption by 20 to 30 percent. He also said the company is developing more automated production systems, saying Airbus remains highly manual in its current manufacturing processes.

At the Farnborough airshow, Airbus presented an extended, foldable "wing of tomorrow". Fichefeux said flight tests are being prepared by fitting an A321 with the longer folding wings to check aerodynamic performance. He said Airbus wants to fly an X-Wing demonstrator from the Cazaux airbase in southern France at the end of this year.

Fichefeux said the open-fan engine being developed by CFM, a joint venture between Safran and GE Aerospace, has convincing projected performance. Wind-tunnel tests are planned, and the goal is to build enough confidence by 2030 to support the launch of a program, ideally after flight testing. He said Airbus is also researching other engine types, including future enclosed engines with manufacturers such as Pratt & Whitney, and that CFM is also working on an enclosed version.

Fichefeux said Airbus could not rule out changing direction during technology research. He said engines remain important for reducing fuel burn, but wing shape now offers a comparable contribution. If an engine option does not come through, he said Airbus would have other options.

Airbus is also advancing plans for hydrogen-powered aircraft. Fichefeux said the company has announced a joint venture with Germany's MTU to work on hydrogen propulsion for future aircraft. He said the partnership aims to create a European hydrogen engine manufacturer for future electric aircraft and to respond to Chinese investment in fuel cells and hydrogen infrastructure.

The partnership with MTU represents a move away from exclusive reliance on Safran, Airbus's historic engine supplier. Safran chief executive Olivier Andries has said hydrogen aircraft are more suited to the next century.