Airbus is exploring the use of an open rotor engine for its upcoming replacement of the A320, in collaboration with engine manufacturer CFM. The new engine design features counterrotating turbine vanes positioned externally, as opposed to being housed in a traditional nacelle. This open design significantly increases the bypass ratio, which enhances fuel efficiency.
CFM spokesperson Mohamad Ali highlighted the expected benefits, stating that the new engine could achieve a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption. “This is not a distant vision—we’ve already conducted hundreds of tests to prove its feasibility,” Ali explained to Simple Flying. He also reassured that while the engine will produce a different sound compared to conventional jets, it will not be louder.
In addition to the engine advancements, Airbus is considering incorporating folding wing tips into the new single-aisle aircraft, a concept borrowed from the Boeing 777-X. The folding wings, which reduce the wingspan for better maneuverability on airport ramps, are a solution to the challenge of accommodating long, efficient wings at ground level. Airbus acknowledged that implementing this feature on smaller aircraft presents technical challenges but emphasized that engineers are actively working to make it feasible.
The company aims to have the new aircraft in service within the next 15 years.