The A30X Engine

With the A320NEO program now launched, it was clear that Airbus chief salesman, John Leahy, would continue to doll out the message that a new engine for an A320 replacement would not be ready for years.

In rolling out the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast, Leahy did just that. But additionally, he indicated his view on how the engine architecture question will be answered. Airbus has typically shown A30X concept drawings with conventional turbofan designs (whether geared or not) and open-rotor concepts. 

Leahy believes the new powerplant will be an unducted, geared turbofan with heavy use of ceramics in the core. "Nobody has invented that technology, yet," he says, but adds that it will be required to meet the big jump in fuel efficiency a new aircraft will need.

Anything before then, he says, will merely be a new airframe with the current technology engines.