Airbus is exploring open fan engine technology for its next generation of single-aisle aircraft expected to enter service in the latter half of the 2030s.
The manufacturer reaffirmed its commitment to developing commercially viable hydrogen aircraft during the 2025 Airbus Summit.
Proposed innovations include disruptive open fan designs and hybrid architectures that utilise electricity for various aircraft functions.
Airbus plans to test the RISE open fan engine demonstrator on its A380 aircraft by the end of the decade, potentially implementing foldable wings for improved performance.
The next generation of aircraft is anticipated to achieve a 20-30% increase in fuel efficiency and the ability to operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel.
Airbus Head of R&T Karim Mokaddem, shared: “Airbus teams are working relentlessly towards the key decisions that will ultimately finalise the choices of the aircraft’s engine type, wing design and additional innovations once their maturity is demonstrated.
“Each of these technology building blocks will play a key role in enabling a new generation of commercial aircraft that will deliver step change improvements in all domains for efficiency and productivity and bring a considerable contribution to the decarbonisation of air travel in the decades to come.
