The unreleased Airbus A220 stretch may have another potential customer: Breeze Airways. In an interview at Simple Flying’s Future Flying Forum, CEO David Neeleman shared his thoughts on the proposed stretched version of the A220. Let’s learn more about his airline’s plans with the A220 and a potential stretched one.
Never say never
Breeze Airways is the second-largest customer for the Airbus A220, with orders for 80 of the larger A220-300. Given this will be the airline’s flagship aircraft on routes of all lengths, Breeze has exciting plans, including taking the plane transatlantic. But what are the carrier’s thoughts on a stretch version, dubbed the A220-500?
Speaking exclusively to Simple Flying, Breeze CEO and industry veteran David Neeleman didn’t confirm any orders but refused to rule out interest, saying,
“Usually, when you got bigger, you have less range and you have more seats. So that drives your cost down, but we love the range of the [A220-300], but I’m not saying never. I think we’re happy with the A220-300, but maybe someday [we can consider] an A220-500 depending on the range. If [the -500] can have 180-185 seats, it is pretty attractive with the new technology, compared to what the existing technology of the A320.”
However, a new A220-500 model could prove to be the right fit for Breeze as it expands. Neeleman has already ruled out the A321XLR, stating that the 4,000-mile range on the standard A220s is more than enough to serve the airline’s market. However, if Airbus can match that range on a larger A220, what’s not to say Breeze would be interested.
Not the only one
The idea of a stretched A220 is not a novel one. Both original market Bombardier and program purchaser Airbus have run simulations of a stretched A220s to see its performance. However, it’s not only a lab idea. The aircraft even has potential customers lining up.
Two airlines have explicitly said that they would purchase an A220-500 if it were made available today. all-A220 operator airBaltic has said it would benefit from the added capacity this plane would offer. Similarly, Air France has expressed interest in the stretched A220 to replace its A320s and A321s, even over the 737 MAX program.
However, the A220-500 envisioned by these two airlines differs from the one Breeze would consider. Indeed, designing an A220 with the seat count of an A320 would require several technical changes and cause Airbus to create a competitor to its flagship program. But never say never.
Exciting plans
Regardless of Breeze’s plans for a stretched A220, the airline has big plans for the 80 it already has on order. These planes will start by flying regional US services and slowly increase in length, eventually flying transcontinental. Given the broad customer base, Breeze has developed a modular cabin design, allowing it to swap in recliner seats at short notice for premium-heavy routes. Similarly, it can change to an all-economy plane if needed.
For now, keep an eye on this upstart airline targeting a unique market with ambitious plans.
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