Airbus to test folding wings for next generation of bestselling planes
Airbus is planning to test folding wingtip technology on its A321neo aircraft to allow for longer, more efficient wings that can still fit within existing airport infrastructure. This innovation aims to improve fuel efficiency for the next generation of commercial planes.
Why it matters
Advancements in aircraft design are essential for the aviation industry to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.
What an Airbus plane with folding wings might look like. The company says ‘the value of being able to fold the wings is huge’. Photograph: Airbus What an Airbus plane with folding wings might look like. The company says ‘the value of being able to fold the wings is huge’. Photograph: Airbus Airbus Airbus to test folding wings for next generation of bestselling planes Such technology solves problem of longer, thinner, energy-saving wings not fitting in airports around the world
Prefer the Guardian on Google Airbus has said it will test folding wings for the next generation of its bestselling planes, as the world’s largest planemaker races to work out the shape of future commercial aircraft by the end of the decade.
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