Aircraft
Airbus’ A320 replacement likely to be larger, slower
Future passenger aircraft might not be as exotic as some research projects and artist renderings have suggested, according to Philippe Jarry, a member of A

Future passenger aircraft might not be as exotic as some research projects and artist renderings have suggested, according to Philippe Jarry, a member of Airbus’ strategy directorate. Speaking at a conference in Paris last month organized by France’s Air & Space Academy, Jarry stressed that a number of constraints weigh on aircraft design, limiting the scope for dramatic advances. He also justified Airbus’ apparent procrastination in launching the long-anticipated A320 replacement.

A likely change, for new short- to medium-range aircraft, is speed. Fuel prices and availability will likely prompt manufacturers to design slower aircraft. “If you slow down a bit, you make the trip slightly longer but you save a lot of fuel,” Jarry said. For a one-hour flight, the additional time in the air could be offset by cutting the time the passenger spends at the airport, he added.

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