Airbus rules out A321neo stretch, plans to migrate XLR wing

Airbus will not stretch the A321neo further. Christoph Zammert, who heads the A320 programme, said the aircraft retains some theoretical potential for another stretch, but no viable business case exists for a larger model that would have carried the name A322.

Speaking at a briefing in Toulouse on 13 October, Zammert said Airbus had studied the idea and saw no market or financial viability. Grandfather rights tied to the aircraft would also come to their limit, he added, another factor in the decision.

Instead, the manufacturer is working on enhancements to the existing family. That includes transferring the wing from the long-range A321XLR to the baseline A321neo. The XLR wing uses a single-slotted flap rather than the double-slotted design on other A321neo models, which Zammert said brings operational and industrial advantages.

The A321neo and A320neo will also gain the XLR's electronic E-rudder, which he said will make them true fly-by-wire aircraft. Other work to keep the types current includes floor-loading improvements. Average passenger weight has changed since the A320 entered service 40 years ago, Zammert noted.

The single-aisle models have already received the Airspace cabin under an interior refurbishment programme. Airbus is studying a new avionics system to guard against obsolescence as electronics advance and to keep pilot operational capability in line with expectations.