2027 may be the year that both Airbus and Boeing launch new aircraft programmes, according to leading aviation lessor Avolon. The company believes a new aircraft program is imminent, predicting that we could see the launch of Airbus A220-500 or A350-2000, or, for Boeing, the 777-10X. Avolon believes these could be announced next year, which could be the next page turner in this decade’s aviation history.

Avolon released its ‘Up Next’ report on January 23, which analyzed and predicted what could be next for the world’s two largest plane makers. The forecast includes what is expected to be the top industry profits, surpassing $41 billion, which is attributed to continued economic growth post-pandemic and lower-than-usual fuel prices. From narrowbody to widebody, new aircraft types could be on the horizon.

The Future Taking Flight

Many commercial aircraft feasibility studies are already underway, albeit kept quiet by both Airbus and Boeing, which could see the manufacturers announcing their latest chapters in existing programs. Some critics may be quick to judge that even for Boeing, as the company is still trying to get the 777X project delivered to the first customer, but that is not stopping these two plane makers.

Such suggestions for new aircraft could include the Airbus A220-500, an extended design of the popular A220 model, which would target between 160 and 190 passengers onboard. This would be a brilliant bridging of the gap between the current A220 models and the Airbus A320neo.

If such a variant were to be announced, this would be a direct competitor to the 737 MAX 8, and aim to offer superior fuel efficiency to that of its rival, and include a stretched fuselage to the Airbus A220-300, additional overwing exits, and would be anticipated to enter service in the next decade.

Flying High With New Widebodies

For Boeing, a suggested 777-10X is the idea of a stretched 777X variant that could carry up to 450 passengers. This would be considered an approximate placement for the Airbus A380 or Boeing 747, and add approximately four extra rows to that of the 777-9. This would be expected to be equipped with General Electric GE9X, with folding wingtips and many other characteristics as those of the other 777X variants.

If the Airbus A350-2000 comes to fruition, it would be an ultra-high-capacity stretched variant of the A350-1000. This would be a direct competitor to the 777X, and would be aiming to transport more than 400 passengers across multiple classes. This would become the longest variant of the A350 family.

Many of these aircraft concepts continue to be in the design phase, and would require significant additional research into the engineering, landing gear requirements, and weight and range capabilities to understand if these concepts are what the industry needs before taking the next steps.

Other Aircraft Considered

As suggested by Avolon, other aircraft are also being considered by the Chinese aerospace manufacturer Comac. The emerging manufacturer will eventually continue to push its widebody concept, the Comac C929, which would be able to seat between 250 and 320 passengers.

Embraer also continues to consider its next chapter, with various concepts that include a larger single-aisle turboprop and smaller turboprop. Any decision to revisit the turboprop market would be a U-turn from its decision in November last year, where the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer decided to shelve its next-generation 70 to 90 seat turboprop program, in a bid to refocus resources on the E-Jet and other business jet programs.

Overall, the industry continues to boom, and aircraft shortages continue to be a topic of conversation. Iit remains evident that India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates continue to be leaders in global aircraft orders, with the three nations combined having ordered more than 3,000 aircraft, more than double the current in-service fleet.