Airbus, the France-based aircraft manufacturer, says several European airlines have voiced interest in a higher-density, 160-seat version of the A220-300, following AirAsia’s order in May. The layout is set for certification in 2028 as Airbus works to raise A220 output to 13 aircraft a month.

Airbus is headquartered in Toulouse, France, and listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: AIR). For full-year 2025, the group reported revenue of 73.4 billion euros and EBIT Adjusted of 7.1 billion euros, with a commercial aircraft order backlog of 8,754 aircraft valued at 619 billion euros.

AirAsia placed its order for 150 A220s with 160 seats in May. The extra 10 seats are made possible by a second overwing exit on each side of the aircraft. Certification, through Transport Canada, is planned for 2028.

“I would say 30-40% of the campaigns I’m following in the European region may be interested in the 160 seats,” said Johan Pelissier, Airbus Europe region president and head of commercial Europe, speaking on the sidelines of the European Regions Airline Association general assembly in Belfast.

Capital A chief executive and AirAsia adviser Tony Fernandes has said a 185-seat stretch, tentatively dubbed the A220-500, is “the aircraft we really want.” Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada and Lufthansa are among the airlines that would also like Airbus to develop it.

“We see the market demand [for the stretch version],” Pelissier said, adding that Airbus will first focus on ramping up the -100 and -300 before deciding when and if to launch it.

Airbus delivered 75 A220s in 2024 and 93 in 2025, and the backlog comprises around 1,000 A220-300s and 100 A220-100s. In August, Airbus announced a 6,221 square metre (67,000 square foot) expansion of its A220 wing facility in Belfast, scheduled for completion in the first half of 2028.

Pelissier said engine durability is improving after the Pratt and Whitney Canada powder metal issues. “Next year, we shall have no more AOGs [aircraft on the ground] due to engine lack of spares,” he said.

For the sector, the interest in a 160-seat layout points to growing demand for higher-capacity small single-aisle aircraft among European operators.

Source: Aviation Week / Airbus