Paris: Airbus is intensifying its efforts to attract airline and leasing customers for a proposed larger version of its A220 regional aircraft, marking a significant step in the company’s bid to expand its footprint in the competitive commercial aviation market. Industry sources say the planemaker is moving beyond internal planning into an active sales campaign aimed at securing preliminary commitments that could underpin an official programme launch later this year.
The aircraft under discussion, commonly referred to as the A220-500, is envisioned as a stretched variant of the existing A220 family capable of seating around 180 passengers substantially more than the current A220-100 and A220-300 models. By bridging the gap between regional jets and larger single-aisle aircraft, Airbus hopes to appeal to carriers seeking fuel-efficient replacements for ageing fleets on short- and medium-haul routes.
Airbus executives have been engaging potential buyers and financiers on the sidelines of major industry events, including the Airline Economics conference in Dublin, where they highlighted that 2026 could be a pivotal year for the A220 programme. These discussions are intended to lay the groundwork for a possible formal announcement of the A220-500’s launch as early as the Farnborough Airshow in July one of aviation’s marquee gatherings should Airbus secure enough early support.
However, any decision to proceed with full development remains contingent on approval from Airbus’ board of directors. A spokesperson for Airbus reiterated that while the company is exploring multiple options for the A220 family’s evolution, it remains committed to ramping up production of existing models and supporting current customers as it studies the market appetite for the larger variant.
The push for a larger A220 comes amid broader strategic moves within Airbus’ commercial aircraft division. The company’s new commercial chief has underscored the importance of stabilizing output across key lines and addressing supply-chain and production challenges a focus that could influence how quickly and confidently Airbus moves forward with future variants.
Airbus is also reportedly close to securing a major order for around 100 A220 jets from Malaysia’s AirAsia, which would be the largest purchase of A220s to date and signal robust interest among low-cost carriers in the regional jet segment.
Market analysts note that success with the A220-500 could help Airbus better compete with legacy single-aisle aircraft and address demands for aircraft that combine efficiency with higher passenger capacity. However, challenges remain, including production rate targets and supply constraints that Airbus continues to work through as it seeks to balance near-term operational priorities with long-term product development.