Airbus to Trial Folding Wings on A321neo for Future Aircraft Design
UKPulse Local Desk
Airbus will begin testing folding wing technology on its A321neo aircraft next year, aiming to solve the challenge of designing longer, more energy-efficient wings that can still fit within existing airport infrastructure. This development is crucial as the planemaker works towards finalising the design of its next generation of commercial aircraft by 2030.
- Airbus will test four to five-metre wing extensions on an A321neo in the second half of 2027.
- Folding wings aim to enable longer, thinner, and more fuel-efficient designs to operate at current airports.
- The initial tests will focus on the structural bolts, with hinge mechanisms for folding to follow.
- Airbus expects to decide on the final shape of its new aircraft by 2030, with future designs likely featuring bent, gull-like wings and large-diameter engines.
- Rolls-Royce is vying to supply engines for this next generation of single-aisle planes, urging UK government support for its UltraFan programme.
Airbus is set to revolutionise the aviation industry with a radical new design: planes with folding wings. The European manufacturer will test this game-changing concept on one of its A321neo aircraft, which could have far-reaching implications for air travel and airport infrastructure by 2030.
The planemaker has confirmed it will extend the wings of one of its A321neo planes by four to five metres to assess how these new shapes perform in real-world conditions. The trials are scheduled to start in the second half of 2027, with a focus on evaluating the bolts that secure these extensions before moving on to more complex hinged mechanisms.
Sue Partridge, head of Airbus's 'Wing of Tomorrow' programme, believes this technology could be a 'huge' advantage for the company. With rival Boeing already using folding wingtips on its 777X, Airbus is playing catch-up in the single-aisle market dominated by the A320 family and Boeing's 737.
Both Airbus and Boeing are racing to develop next-generation aircraft that consume less energy. New engine designs, hybrid-electric propulsion systems, and longer wings are all being explored. Airbus has hinted that its future planes will feature large-diameter engines and wings designed like a gull's for improved aerodynamics, with a final design decision expected by 2030.
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce is bidding to supply engines for the high-volume single-aisle planes of the future. CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç has urged the UK government to support the company's investments in its UltraFan engine programme, which he believes could be a major boost to UK economic growth and advanced manufacturing.
Why this matters: This development could lead to more fuel-efficient flights, potentially impacting ticket prices and the environmental footprint of air travel, a key concern for many UK consumers. It also highlights the UK's role in cutting-edge aerospace engineering through companies like Rolls-Royce.
What this means for you: What this means for you: More fuel-efficient planes could eventually lead to more stable or even lower airfares, making travel more affordable. It also supports high-skilled jobs and innovation within the UK's aerospace sector, contributing to the national economy.