Airbus is preparing to begin formal sales talks with airlines for a larger, stretched version of its A220 regional jet. According to media reports citing industry sources, the manufacturer aims to secure enough pre-order commitments to justify development of the new A220-500, and will potentially announce the project at the upcoming Farnborough Airshow in July.
The “Simple Stretch” Strategy
The proposed A220-500 will be a “simple stretch” of the existing A220-300. This design involves lengthening the fuselage to accommodate up to 180 passengers. That is 20 more than the current A220-300. The wings and engines will remain largely untouched.
This reduces development costs and time but results in the plane being unsuited for long-haul flights. Airbus hopes this move will increase the A220 programme’s profitability by boosting orders and renegotiating supplier contracts.
Targeting Key Carrier Commitments
Airbus’s launch strategy relies on securing commitments from a few major airlines before it can start building. Industry analysts cited in reports point to Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, and Air France as leading potential customers, all of whom have previously expressed interest in a larger variant.
Airbus officials told investors at the Airline Economics conference in Dublin that 2026 would be “a big year” for the A220. New Airbus Commercial CEO Lars Wagner has publicly backed the project, with a final decision resting on board approval and firm orders from airlines.
A Calculated Gamble in the Narrowbody Market
The A220-500 will compete directly with its own best-selling A320neo. Both planes seat 180 people, but the A220-500 should cost less to operate. Moreover, the A220-500’s superior passenger experience that features a 2-3 cabin layout and larger windows are key selling point.
Furthermore, shifting some demand to the A220 line could free up production capacity for the in-demand A321neo. The move also aims to compete for market share against Embraer’s E2 jets, which have been dominating in the regional segment.
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