The Airbus A220 is a five-abreast single-aisle aircraft designed for the 100- to 160-seat market. It began as the Bombardier CSeries and later became part of the Airbus product line.
History and development
Bombardier launched the CSeries to challenge both large regional jets and the smaller end of the A320/737 market.
The CS100 and CS300 entered service before Airbus took a majority stake in the programme and renamed them A220-100 and A220-300.
The aircraft now fills the gap between regional jets and full-size narrowbodies, with a cabin that feels more mainline than regional.
Variant-by-variant breakdown
| Variant | What it is used for |
|---|---|
| A220-100 | Smaller variant, typically 100-120 passengers and up to 135 maximum seating. |
| A220-300 | Larger and more popular variant, typically 120-150 passengers and up to 160 maximum seating. |
| ACJ TwoTwenty | Business aviation version based on the A220 platform. |
| Former CS100/CS300 | Original Bombardier designations before Airbus branding. |
Technical specifications
These are manufacturer reference figures, with the variant and assumptions shown where available. Typical layouts, maximum seating and advertised range describe different things. Ranges quoted by different manufacturers are not necessarily calculated on the same payload or reserve basis; use the exact approved documentation for flight planning.
| Variant / reference | Seating / weight | Published reference | Powerplant / layout |
|---|---|---|---|
| A220-100 | 100-120 typical two-class seats; maximum 135 | Manufacturer advertised range: 3,600 nm | Pratt & Whitney PW1500G |
| A220-300 | 120-150 typical two-class seats; maximum 160 | Manufacturer advertised range: 3,400 nm | Pratt & Whitney PW1500G |
| A220 family | Five-abreast, typically 2-3 economy seating | A separate aircraft family from the A320 | Geared turbofan engines |
Cabin, route role and operating profile
| Area | Typical setup | Operational meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Single aisle | 2-3 economy seating | No middle seat on one side |
| Mission | Thin routes | Regional mainline | Longer range than older regional jets |
| Comfort | Large windows and bins | Mainline cabin feel | Premium for its size class |
Design and systems features
- The five-abreast cabin gives the A220 a passenger comfort advantage over traditional regional jets.
- Geared turbofan engines and a modern wing are central to its fuel burn and noise story.
- The aircraft is purpose-built for routes that are too thin for A320/737 but need more comfort and range than older regional jets.
Typical operations, routes and operators
- The A220 serves domestic, regional and longer single-aisle sectors in both network and point-to-point airline operations.
- The -300 has a longer fuselage and higher seating capacity than the -100; compare each model's actual weight and performance options.
- The five-abreast cabin places it in a different capacity band from larger six-abreast single-aisle aircraft.
Market presence and replacement context
- The A220 competes with the Embraer E195-E2, A319neo and 737 MAX 7.
- Airbus uses it below the A320neo rather than as a direct replacement for the larger A320 family.
Operational themes for study
- Review the A220's own systems and approved training material. Airbus branding does not make A320 procedures or limitations applicable.
- For dispatch or operational questions, use the exact aircraft's manuals and current operator instructions; this profile does not estimate reliability or accident risk.
Comparison with similar aircraft
| Aircraft | Where it competes | Practical difference |
|---|---|---|
| Embraer E195-E2 | Small-mainline comparison | Four-abreast E2 versus five-abreast A220 cabins; compare each model's stated range assumptions. |
| Airbus A319neo | Airbus comparison | The A319 belongs to the A320 family; the A220 is a distinct design and training family. |
| Boeing 737 MAX 7 | Small-737 comparison | Six-abreast 737 cabin versus five-abreast A220; programme status and exact variant matter. |
FAQ
Was the A220 originally an Airbus?
No. It began as the Bombardier CSeries before joining the Airbus family.
Which A220 is more common?
The A220-300 is generally the more popular airline variant.
Is the A220 a regional jet?
It sits between regional jets and mainline narrowbodies; many operators treat it as a small mainline aircraft.
Check your understanding
- How does the A220 cabin layout differ from E-Jets and the A320 family?
- Why does Airbus branding not establish common operating procedures with an A320?
Continue your preparation
- Embraer E190 and E195 explained: E-Jet capacity with mainline comfort
- Airbus A320 Family explained: A318, A319, A320 and A321
- Boeing 737 explained: Classic, NG and MAX family guide
- Browse all aircraft profiles
- Explore interview preparation topics
Public sources and disclaimer
Manufacturer references checked on 18 October 2026.
This article is an editorial aircraft profile. It is not official aircraft training material and must not replace an AFM, POH, FCOM, QRH, MEL, operator SOP, maintenance manual, regulator document or current type certificate data sheet.
