Airbus is preparing to size up the market potential for a new stretched version of the A220 with lessors and airlines, according to Reuters.
On January 29, 2026, Reuters published an article having spoken to industry sources about the launch of the Airbus A220-500 later this year, with an announcement penciled in for the Farnborough International Airshow in July.
While the project is still subject to approval, Airbus will want to try and establish if there is an appetite for the new jet, which will seat around 180 passengers
The Airbus A220-100 typically seats between 100 and 135 passengers, while the A220-300 can carry between 120 and 150.
Rumors of an announcement on Airbus’ newest jets received a boost this week when the new CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business, Lars Wagner, appeared to endorse a stretched A220 while speaking at an industry conference.
On January 23, 2026, US lessor Avolon indicated that a new commercial aircraft program launch could be announced in 2027, with the Airbus A220-500, A350-2000 and Boeing 777-10X all in contention.
Confirming that “a large number of commercial programs are in the works,” Avolon predicted that next year could see an aircraft manufacturer moving forward with their next aircraft program.
“2026 feels too soon for a new program launch, but 2027 may just be the year,” said Avolon’s Up Next report.
Delta Air Lines, Breeze Airways, airBaltic, Air France, and JetBlue all operate A220 aircraft and so could be seen as potential customers.
Formerly the Bombardier CSeries, Airbus took over production of the A220 in 2019. Production takes place in both Mirabel, Canada, and Mobile, Alabama in the US.