Insight: When is the Optimal Time to launch the Airbus A220-500?

When asked about launching the A220-500, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer has publicly stated “it’s not if, but when”. Considering the “when” is therefore rather important. After all, the A220-500 as currently understood would be  ~160-seater with a range of ~2,500 nautical miles.  This is essentially what the A320ceo and 737-800 are today. Both models have been replaced by successors, with about the same capacity and more range. When is the optimal time to launch the A220-500?

Since Airbus gets to make the call, it is not as concerned with the A220-500 impact on the A320neo. As a senior Airbus manager once shared with us, “We don’t care if it’s an Airbus that replaces an Airbus – as long as it’s Airbus”.  Consequently, when the trigger gets pulled the target will be the 737.