Aerospace

Airbus hints that the A220-500 will be introduced at the Paris Airshow.

Recent sources claim that Airbus is taking real steps to improve the plane’s marketability against the 737 MAX. The A220-500 may be unveiled at the Paris Airshow, according to Airbus. It could face competition from the 737 Max 8 and Embraer E2.

The plan would entail two fronts: confirming the usage of the CFM LEAP1 engine and increasing the capacity of the A220 with the A220-300 variant.

Airbus is betting on the smallest narrowbody aircraft market that will be competing directly with the Embraer E2 and Boeing 737 max 8 segments aircraft. further, it is improving the aircraft cabin seats.

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The Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engine, which has experienced issues with availability, is the only one used by the A220 at the moment. Only the LEAP1-B, which is thought to be slightly less efficient but has reported fewer issues for its operators, is used to fly the Boeing jet.

Airbus SE may introduce a larger version of its A220 single-aisle airplane as early as next month, strengthening its portfolio versus Boeing Co. in the commercial aircraft market segment with the highest sales.

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The world’s largest aircraft manufacturer has long insisted that it is a matter of when rather than if the A220-500, an expanded version of its smallest commercial jet, will be produced. The larger model would pit the aircraft against Boeing’s most popular 737 Max 8.

She may be the smallest member of the #Airbus ✈️ family but has the largest and brightest cabin in her class! With wider aisles, panoramic windows and spacious overhead bins – can you guess who's coming to #ParisAirShow 🇫🇷 ? pic.twitter.com/SG80fBaeUu— Airbus (@Airbus) June 12, 2023

Some potential customers of the aircraft, unlike Southwest Airlines, who selected the 737 MAX 7, would have a compelling argument for the A220 with LEAP1 engines.

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To offer the CFM turbofan, Airbus simply needs to offer a range comparable to the PW rival’s, or around 3,400 nautical miles.

Come and see 👀 for yourself how the #A220 has been designed to deliver a better travel experience in real life at #ParisAirShow 🇫🇷 ! pic.twitter.com/PfhC8xof2J— Airbus (@Airbus) June 12, 2023

Airbus may use the A220-500 as a way to meet the high demand for the A320neo family, notably the A321neo, LR, and XLR, which offer a remarkable range of 4,700 nautical miles.

Related Topics:airbus Airlines Airport Boeing paris airshow

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.