Airbus remains open to blended-wing design for larger aircraft, confirms tube-and-wing structure for next narrowbody

Airbus remains open to the possibility of a blended-wing-body (BWB) design for larger aircraft, despite confirming that its next narrowbody jet will feature a traditional tube-and-wing configuration. CEO Guillaume Faury stated that while BWB designs were considered for the hydrogen-powered ZEROe project, they are deemed more suitable for larger planes due to drag issues associated with smaller aircraft. Airbus aims to launch development of its next narrowbody jet by the end of the decade, targeting a 20-25% increase in fuel efficiency, partly through the use of CFM International's open-rotor engines. Faury emphasized the importance of innovative wing designs, as several startups, including JetZero, are also exploring BWB concepts, which have garnered support from industry leaders like United Airlines' CEO Scott Kirby.

https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/airbus-still-sees-blended-wing-body-design-as-possible-for-larger-jets/164450.article