Airbus concept plane
A number of news outlets indicate that Airbus is considering a new narrow-body aircraft to replace the A320neo in the 2035 timeframe and that the new aircraft could be a hybrid. That would represent a marked shift in technology away from traditional propulsion to drive turbofans with electric motors in cruise mode, utilizing conventional technology for take-offs and landings.
To justify an all-new aircraft, Airbus will need a 20% increment in fuel economy. While the existing engines powering the A320neo should gain another 8-10% in efficiency over the next 10-15 years, it will be improvements in aerodynamics, redesigned wings, and the use of additional composite materials to reach that goal.
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