As Airbus considers an A320-replacement to compete against prospective single-aisle models from Boeing and emerging challengers from Russia and Asia, it is also looking at technologies that could contribute to even longer-term designs in a program dubbed “A30X.” Mindful that modern jetliners are expected to have working lives of at least 40 years, chief operating officer for customers John Leahy said Airbus needs “future technology for future aircraft.”
The company recognizes that its established single-aisle duopoly with Boeing will be diluted if planned projects from Canada, China and Russia progress beyond the taxiway, but is unfazed by such possible competition. Technologically, emerging designs offer “no step change,” said strategy and future-programs senior vice president Ian Dawkins, speaking before he took a new position last month as chief executive of OnAir, the Airbus/SITA cabin communications systems joint venture.
