Airbus Concept Plane offers glimpse into the future of flight

Air passengers were given a glimpse of the future of flight when images of a new Concept Plane were unveiled by Airbus at the Farnborough International Airshow this week.

Coinciding with new research which reveals that the passengers of 2050 will be environmentally aware while also recognising the many benefits of air travel, the Airbus Concept Plane represents an “engineer’s dream” about what an aircraft could look like in the future.

More than a flight of pure fantasy, the images released illustrate what air travel could actually look like in 2050 – even 2030 if advancements in existing technologies continue apace.

Charles Champion, Executive Vice President Engineering, said: “The Airbus Concept Plane represents an engineer’s dream about what an aircraft could look like in the long term future. It’s not a real aircraft and all the technologies it features, though feasible, are not likely to come together in the same manner. Here we are stretching our imagination and thinking beyond our usual boundaries. With the Airbus Concept Plane we want to stimulate young people from all over the world to engage with us so that we can continue to share the benefits of air transport while also looking after the environment.”

Airbus experts in aircraft materials, aerodynamics, cabins and engines came up with the design which is an ‘engineer’s dream’ to meet the expectations of the passengers of the future.  Ultra long and slim wings, semi-embedded engines, a U-shaped tail and light-weight ‘intelligent’ body all feature to further improve environmental performance or ‘eco-efficiency’.  The result: lower fuel burn, a significant cut in emissions, less noise and greater comfort.

The Concept Plane is outlined in a new report, ‘The Future by Airbus’, which also talks of ‘morphing’ seats made from ecological self-cleaning materials, aircraft with 360 degree views and virtual decors.

With the majority of under-35s looking forward to flying more in the future – over 40% thinking that for every two flights we make today, we’ll take at least three by 2050 – the vision shared by travelers and the industry alike is for both a more connected and sustainable world.  Behind the numbers is a belief that we will live in an increasingly multicultural world where friends and family will be based further from home, according to 68%; 64% cite a growing desire to travel further and see more of our planet; and just over half the need for greater flexibility between life at home and place of work.

Robin Mannings, a leading independent Futurologist, looks ahead: “Most of us want reduced traffic congestion – both on the ground and in the sky – together with improved comfort for a better travelling experience; the poll confirms that.  By 2050, we’ll also expect seamless access to a plethora of technology and applications.  And ‘flexibility’ will become the new mantra for air travel, with us as passengers choosing levels of speed or luxury in cruise ships of the sky.”

Airbus is looking to the passengers of 2050 themselves for inspiration as the company enters its next 40 years of innovation.  One example of this sees the launch of Airbus’ ‘Fly Your Ideas’ – a global competition challenging University students to develop new ideas for a greener aviation industry.  The winners will share the top prize of €30,000; the runners-up €15,000.  Registration opens this Friday.

For more information visit www.airbus-fyi.com