Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Airbus advances key tech for next-gen single-aisle aircraft

Aerospace

Airbus advances key tech for next-gen single-aisle aircraft

During the 2025 Airbus Summit (24th-25th March), Airbus has provided an update on its roadmap to pioneer the future of commercial aviation in the decades to come.


Image copyright Airbus

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, as well as 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, as well as the  capability to fly with up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Airbus also unveiled new design concepts that showcase the different configurations being studied for this future aircraft, highlighting the various potential solutions that are being explored in order to achieve this major leap forward in aircraft efficiency, and support the aviation sector’s roadmap towards net-zero emissions in 2050.

Advertisement
Siemens rectangle

Technologies include more efficient engines, including disruptive open fan designs; 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 said: “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."

Airbus Head of R&T Karim Mokaddem said: “Airbus teams are working relentlessly towards the key decisions that will ultimately finalise the choices of the aircraft’s engine type, wing design and additional innovations once their maturity is demonstrated."

Advertisement
Leonardo

"Each of these technology building blocks will play a key role in enabling a new generation of commercial aircraft that will deliver step change improvements in all domains for efficiency and productivity and bring a considerable contribution to the decarbonisation of air travel in the decades to come."

The progress made on these technologies was discussed at the Airbus Summit 2025 on 24th and 25th March, where Airbus brought together industry players and visionaries to discuss the future of sustainable aerospace.

Advertisement
Siemens leaderboard
Intelliconnect strengthens management team

Aerospace Defence

Intelliconnect strengthens management team

17 September 2025

RF and Cryogenic interconnect solutions specialist Intelliconnect (Europe), has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Yiannis Metallinos as Managing Director and Gary Langridge as Engineering Manager.

Getac launches UX10 and UX10-IP rugged tablets

Aerospace Defence Security

Getac launches UX10 and UX10-IP rugged tablets

17 September 2025

Getac has announced the launch of its next generation UX10 and UX10-IP fully rugged tablets.

Smith Myers to supply ARTEMIS Systems to Airbus Helicopters

Aerospace Defence

Smith Myers to supply ARTEMIS Systems to Airbus Helicopters

16 September 2025

Smith Myers has secured a major contract with Airbus Helicopters, under the framework of which ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection and Location Systems (MPDLS) will be factory-fitted and offered as a retrofit option across Airbus Helicopters' fleet of aircraft.

Britten-Norman Islander production reaches key milestone

Aerospace

Britten-Norman Islander production reaches key milestone

16 September 2025

Britten-Norman, manufacturer of the Islander aircraft, has reached a major milestone in its programme to bring full aircraft production to its Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight, UK.

Advertisement
ODU RT
TEKEVER reveals its largest UK site todate

Aerospace Defence

TEKEVER reveals its largest UK site todate

15 September 2025

TEKEVER has announced a new manufacturing facility in The Spectrum Building, a historic, Grade II-listed architectural icon designed by Sir Norman Foster, completed in 1982 and featured in James Bond film 'A View to a Kill' in 1984.

CBI offers support for Stansted’s growth plans

Aerospace

CBI offers support for Stansted’s growth plans

15 September 2025

Members of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) visited London Stansted to see first-hand the airport’s role in driving regional economic growth and to offer their support for its plans to raise its passenger cap from 43 to 51 million a year, without increasing the number of flights beyond current permissions.

Advertisement
Amentum rectangle