Theguardian iconTheguardianJul 21, 2026

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 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. Longer, thinner wings made of light but strong composite materials offer the promise of energy savings but present a problem for manufacturers because they will not fit in airports around the world, many of which are already at or near full capacity.

Airbus to test folding wings for next generation of bestselling planes

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Such technology solves problem of longer, thinner, energy-saving wings not fitting in airports around the world Airbus has said it will test folding wings for the next generation of its bestselling planes,...

Longer, thinner wings made of light but strong composite materials offer the promise of energy savings but present a problem for manufacturers because they will not fit in airports around the world, many of...

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Such technology solves problem of longer, thinner, energy-saving wings not fitting in airports around the world 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. Longer, thinner wings made of light but strong composite materials offer the promise of energy savings but present a problem for manufacturers because they will not fit in airports around the world, many of which are already at or near full capacity.

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  • Such technology solves problem of longer, thinner, energy-saving wings not fitting in airports around the world Airbus has said it will test folding wings for the next generation of its bestselling planes,...

What to take from it

Longer, thinner wings made of light but strong composite materials offer the promise of energy savings but present a problem for manufacturers because they will not fit in airports around the world, many of which are already at or near full capacity.

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