Airbus Concept Planes @ 2050

The Airbus concept plane

In 2010, Airbus unveiled what air transport may look like by the year 2050 with its Airbus Concept Plane, bringing together what company experts in materials, aerodynamics, cabins and engines believe can meet the expectations of future passengers.

This concept jetliner is characterized by its ultra long and slim wings, semi-embedded engines, a U-shaped tail and light-weight “intelligent” body – all of which would further improve environmental performance of air transportation, delivering lower fuel consumption, a significant reduction in emissions, less noise and greater comfort.

While the Airbus Concept Plane is not a real aircraft – and all of the technologies are not likely to come together in the same manner – it further underscores Airbus’ forward-thinking approach to innovation.

The interiors of tomorrow
Other future-gazing by Airbus provides blueprints for radical aircraft interiors. In its 2010 report “The Future by Airbus,” the company details morphing seats made from ecological, self-cleaning materials – which meld to passengers’ bodies for a comfortable fit.

Additional features highlighted in the report include cabin walls that become transparent at the touch of a button to enable 360-degree views; the use of self-cleaning and increasingly ecological materials; and holographic projections of virtual decors, allowing travellers to literally transform their private space while airborne.

By the numbers
A poll taken in 2010 suggests that the passengers of 2050 will be more environmentally-aware than those of today. For the British public 35 years of age and younger queried in this poll, “environmental issues” were listed second only to “cost” as a barrier to flying.

The majority of these “under-35s” look forward to flying more often in the future. Over 40 per cent believe that for every two flights made today, the general population will take at least three by 2050. One in 10 of expects to fly at least twice as much.

The numbers suggest an increasingly-multicultural and mobile world where friends and family will be based further from home, and a majority of those polled citing a growing desire to travel further and see more of the world.

 

Airbus undated handout computer generated image of their concept plane. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday July 19 2010. The firm produced images of a fantasy-like aircraft which might be the type of plane flying by 2050, or even 2030 if technology continues at a good rate. The lightweight plane includes ultra-long, slim bent-back wings and a U-shaped tail. See PA story AIR Show Concept. Photo credit should read: Airbus/PA Wire PA