Daily Insight: Tuesday 21 May 2019: A220 Range Increase Opens New Markets

News

Airbus announced at Innovation Days that the A220 has increased gross weight and range, now 3,350nm for the A220-300 and 3,400nm for the A220-100.  This increase in range brings transatlantic operations from New England into play, and makes the A220 a true transcontinental aircraft even against strong headwinds.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, stated “this new MOW will allow operators to reach markets where they today cannot be served by other small single-aisle aircraft types.”  One of the key markets for the aircraft will likely be London City to New York, which has substantial demand.  With the increased MTOW, such a service would not need to be all business class, and a full load of passengers could be accommodated, unlike previously used aircraft.