Hyperdrive
Airbus May Make the Next Version of Its Top-Selling Jet an Electric Hybrid
- Successor to A320 workhorse could also be conventional model
- Decision depends on technology progress, Boeing competition
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Airbus SE is considering bringing the world’s first hybrid-electric airliner to market as it weighs its strategy for replacing the bread-and-butter A320neo narrow-body in the next 15 years -- a move that would mark a technological leap for the aerospace industry.
The European planemaker has grown confident that the revolutionary propulsion system will be ready for roll-out on an all-new single-aisle jet around 2035, according to people with knowledge of its planning. While the company has been public about its interest in hybrid engines, Airbus is now willing to consider powering its most important aircraft with the technology, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing internal deliberations.