A322

However they go about it a replacement for the A300’s, and 767’s, and a rival for the 7E7 is needed, and I presume that is what Airbus are working on at the moment.
I know, for example that BA are looking to replace their 767’s, and whether they choose the new airbus or the 7E7 is pivotal towards their long haul fleet stratagy over the next 20 years (747/777 replacements)

A340 family takes on the B777
A320 takes on the B737NG’s
A330 goes for the B757

Well im not sure bout the A330 and the B757

Well, the A346 isn’t much bigger than a B773, so I don’t see where the 747 enters into things!

Airlines might replace 747’s with the A346. But they could equally choose the 773. So the true competition is a 777.

People, I think we discussed such issue in this forum some time ago when we discussed about A330-500… I dont know but I think some of the comments placed on this thread, are familiar. 🙂

I think that further stretching the A321 may be unwise as I believe the A320 has been exploited enough.

I think that a true substitution of the A300 family is a two aisle aircraft for 200-250 seats a/c. Plus they have to consider the threat of the DreamLiner if it finally goes ahead.

but, we shall see what suprises Airbus has for us in the near future.. and I hope they do before they get suprised!

Btw, A330/A340 family competes with the B777. Only the A340-600 can be regarded as a true competitor of the B747.

Personally I think what Airbus really need is a longer-range A321, without much stretch (if any). This could target some A310 replacement and also airlines looking at replacing their earlier 757s (especially those with an existing A320-family fleet).

Mike

Airbus would ideally have a widebody that is somewhat smaller than the A330-200, to replace the A300/A310. For a lot of airlines, the A332 is too big.

I believe Airbus will not alter their fuselage widths; it is more efficient to manufacture only two widths (one narrow, one wide) and merely alter the length. So we could be looking at either a shortened A330 or lengthened A320.

The basic A330 might be too heavy though; it is a brute of a widebody, I mean the same basic fuselage is taken to extremes in the A340-600! So, I think the more efficient solution is a stretched A320.

People usually whinge that the A320 wing couldn’t cope; well, I see no reason not to redesign the wing to the extent necessary. Just take an A321, stretch it, and replace the wings. Not sure whether the IAE V2500 is flexible enough to power such a behemoth. Maybe the Trent? I mean, the RB-211 powers a 757. The 757 would if anything be smaller than an A321 stretch, because the fuselage is slightly narrower.

So, to summarise:

Objective – create a 200-250 seater with the range to replace the A300-600 or A310.

Solution – stretch the A321, replace the wing, replace the engines and possibly add more fuel tankage.

It would be a fairly extreme derivative of the A320 family, but a less costly project than a clean start.

Well it seems the 330 goes between the 777 and the 767.

I think that if Airbus were to bring out an A322 or something of that name, it would be to take on the Dreamliner (7E7)

I suppose you’re right Michael, that would make a lot more sense.

Surely an A320-200 might as well just be an A321 and an A319-200 could just be the the A320-100 and the A319-300 could be the A321.

:p 😡

Yeah I was thinking that it might take on the 767, possibly replacing the A310 or A300 as a shorter wide body.

Maybe… It could be something to Take on the 767? Or is that the Job of the 330?

Ive always though that the 330 was to take on the 777 and the 340 the 747.