In yet another shift to Airbus's plans to replace its A320 narrowbody family of aircraft, the aircraft maker now says the so called A30X may not come to market until 2020 or even 2022.

John Leahy, Airbus COO for customers, says the shift is driven more by technical concerns than the current economic downturn. Airbus previously had projected a 2018-2020 fielding timeline. With a still robust order book, neither Airbus or Boeing feel pressure to introduce new single-aisles.

Although orders this year are relatively slow, Airbus CEO Tom Enders believes "it will pick up again next year." Moreover, he notes, the aircraft maker remains overbooked for 2010.

Leahy adds that low-fare carriers, in particular, are doing better than some of their network rivals. However, what region will bounce back first is hard to predict, he notes. And, Enders adds, long-term there is a strong underlying demand, with around 5% annual average air traffic growth expected over the next 20 years.

Asked about Boeing's plans to consider updating its 777 widebody with a rewinging effort or even a new aircraft, Leahy merely said that's validation for the rival A350 design.

Photo credit: Airbus