Airbus Advances Key Technologies For Next-Generation Single-Aisle Aircraft

Airbus Innovates Single-Aisle Aircraft Tech

During the 2025 Airbus Summit, Airbus outlined its plan to influence the future of commercial aviation in the upcoming decades. The company highlighted potential technologies designed for a next-generation single-aisle aircraft, expected to launch in the late 2030s. Moreover, it provided a revised timeline for the progression of technologies concerning hydrogen-powered flight.

Airbus has provided further details on the key technological foundations that could enable the introduction of a next-generation single-aisle aircraft. This new aircraft is expected to improve fuel efficiency by 20-30% compared to existing models and will have the capability to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Additionally, the company introduced new design concepts showcasing the different configurations being considered for this future aircraft. This illustrates the various potential approaches being pursued to achieve a significant leap in aircraft efficiency while supporting the aviation industry’s aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Technologies encompass more efficient engines featuring innovative open fan designs; long, flexible wings that provide substantial aerodynamic benefits; advanced batteries facilitating hybrid systems where electricity increasingly supports both propulsive and non-propulsive functions on the aircraft; and lightweight materials combined with integrated systems to create a connected aircraft. 

Airbus Head of Future Programmes Bruno Fichefeux says, “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 adds, “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."

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 24 and 25 March, where Airbus brought together industry players and visionaries to discuss the future of sustainable aerospace.