The Airplanes Set to Shape Air Travel in 2022 and Beyond

Do you recall the last time a new airplane design really got people excited about flying?

Maybe not—after all, it’s been fifty years since Boeing launched the iconic double-decker 747, which, alongside the supersonic Concorde, revolutionized travel in the 1970s. Two decades ago, Airbus took the title of 'world's largest' with its massive A380, but recently, that aircraft has faced challenges from smaller wide-body models, leading Airbus to halt production by the end of 2021.

As air travel rebounds, airlines and manufacturers are introducing new aircraft and enhancing existing models—like expanded premium economy options and better fuel efficiency—that could reignite enthusiasm for flying. Here are some planes making a return or debut that travelers should keep an eye on.

Increased comfort in economy on the Airbus A220

A plane designed to accommodate 100 to 150 passengers on standard domestic routes may not seem revolutionary, yet many enthusiasts claim the Airbus A220 is just that. Why? It offers seats approximately 18.5 inches wide in a two-by-three configuration, contrasting with the usual narrowbody three-by-three setup and a standard seat width of 17 inches. Plus, it boasts more windows (two per row on each side) and roomy overhead bins, boosting its appeal.

Delta and JetBlue are deploying the A220 on numerous domestic routes this year, while Breeze Airways, the new budget airline founded by JetBlue’s David Neeleman, has made a substantial order for up to 80 planes. The A220 is also more fuel-efficient than other regional jets, encouraging airlines to explore new routes as they aim to meet ambitious emissions reduction targets. Its longer range capabilities even open the door for short transatlantic flights.

Boeing’s 777X takes over the legacy of the 747

As the iconic Boeing 747 gracefully retired from the skies, many travelers wondered: What’s next for Boeing?

Introducing the 777X, touted by the manufacturer as a deserving successor to the 747 legacy. It claims the title of the world's largest jet operating with just two engines, making it significantly more cost-effective than the four-engine 747 or the A380.

Marketed by Boeing as the pinnacle of the 777 family, the “X” model can accommodate between 384 and 426 passengers in a multi-class setup. While it doesn't have the distinctive hump of its predecessor, it features a unique folding wing that bends upward at a right angle, allowing it to fit into tighter airport gates. Passengers can also enjoy a wider cabin, dimmable windows, and spacious overhead bins.

At least eight airlines, including Ana, Emirates, Qatar, and Lufthansa, have placed orders for the jet, which was initially scheduled to enter service in 2020. However, Boeing’s ongoing challenges, starting with the 737 Max incidents and subsequent grounding in 2019, have pushed back the launch, now anticipated for sometime in 2023.

The Airbus A380 is set for a revival

One of the more unexpected trends recently is the resurgence of the A380, which just a few years ago was being dismissed by industry experts as mismatched with the shift towards smaller aircraft on shorter nonstop routes linking secondary hubs. However, it still had its enthusiasts. Airlines like Emirates and Singapore maximized the aircraft's unique full-length upper deck by adding lavish amenities such as cocktail lounges and showers for premium passengers. Yet, even prior to the pandemic, its popularity seemed to wane, with many airlines favoring wide-body planes with 250–300 seats over the A380, which can theoretically accommodate up to 853 passengers in an all-economy configuration, though most airlines offer a range of 400 to 600 seats.

Currently, the world’s largest airlines are retrieving their A380s from long-term storage where they have been parked for almost two years, and are incorporating new features to enhance passenger comfort.

For instance, Singapore Airlines is set to reinstate its A380 service to New York (JFK) starting March 27, connecting through Frankfurt to Changi. (The airline will also operate this aircraft between Singapore and London.) This relaunch includes a redesign of the interior, featuring six new first-class suites—semi-private cabins with both single and double beds. Additionally, there will be 78 business-class seats upstairs, convertible into fully flat double beds, and a 44-seat premium economy section on the main deck.

Although it may seem illogical—given that as of early 2022, international travel remains far from fully recovered and many borders are still shut—airline executives believe that offering a premium product will entice consumers back. “After nearly two years of restrictions, we’re witnessing a significant demand for international travel, especially in premium class,” stated Joey Seow, Singapore’s regional vice president for the Americas.

Emirates, the largest operator of the A380 with over 100 in its fleet, has begun reintroducing some of these aircraft and outfitting a selection with new premium economy seating. These planes are now servicing routes to London Heathrow, New York’s JFK International Airport, and other key global hubs.

British Airways is also reinstating A380 flights, while Qantas has resumed nonstop service between Sydney and Los Angeles this month (though U.S. travelers are still prohibited from boarding for nonessential trips, as strict pandemic measures keep them out of Australia).

The Airbus A321XLR: a super-long-range narrowbody

How long will passengers be willing to endure a narrowbody flight? Some airlines believe it could extend to 10 hours—if you’re on an Airbus A321XLR (where XLR stands for extra-long range). The manufacturer describes it as delivering the equivalent of “long-haul widebody comfort” in a more compact design, featuring wider seats and larger overhead bins.

Upon its debut next year, the A321XLR will be capable of flying nonstop for approximately 5,400 miles—about 1,000 miles further than the 737 and other single-aisle aircraft. This extended range is due to a third fuel tank, allowing for double the flight duration of similarly sized planes. With advanced engines and other innovations, Airbus asserts a 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption per seat, making it comparable to the most efficient wide-body jets.

Middle East Airlines, the launch customer, along with European carriers like Aer Lingus and Iberia, are eyeing transatlantic routes from East Coast hubs such as Boston and New York to European cities including Dublin and Madrid (though the pandemic has caused some uncertainty regarding these orders). U.S. customers include American Airlines and JetBlue, which recently initiated flights to London with the shorter-range “LR” model and could potentially utilize the new jet for deeper European routes if they choose to expand.

The successor to the Concorde—Boom Supersonic

Although it may be a ways off, the prospect of returning to faster-than-sound travel is sure to excite travelers. Boom, a startup based in Denver, plans to commence test flights of its Overture aircraft as soon as 2025, and has recently partnered with United Airlines, which has committed $3 billion for an initial order of 15 Boom Supersonic jets. These planes are designed to fly at nearly twice the speed of sound, reaching Mach 1.7, though they will likely operate at subsonic speeds (under 700 miles per hour) over land.

Boom aims to ensure a comfortable experience, providing each passenger with a large window, but the real appeal lies in the ability to cover long distances in half the usual time. Unlike the Concorde, which charged exorbitant fares well beyond first-class pricing, Boom asserts it will offer tickets at a more reasonable rate, comparable to business class pricing.