Bombardier's CS100 is expected to begin service in 2014. It follows aircraft design trends toward lighter materials and more efficient engines which allow significant fuel savings. Click through this gallery to see conceptual designs for fuel-saving planes of the future.
Lockheed Martin 'box wings' —
NASA asked aircraft manufacturers for aircraft designs aimed at saving fuel, while limiting noise and pollution. In this concept, Lockheed Martin proposed "box wings" that would wrap around the entire aircraft. It combines lightweight materials and super-efficient turbo-fan engines.
NASA
Lockheed Martin's quieter supersonic —
This concept for a civil aircraft capable of flying faster than the speed of sound was designed with a specific shape to reduce the level of sonic booms.
NASA
Lockheed Martin single engine box wing —
Lockheed Martin submitted another box wing design for NASA. This version included a single engine mounted on the tail of the aircraft.
NASA
Northrup Grumman 'flying wing' —
Northrup Grumman's previous experience with military "flying wing" designs led to this concept which NASA describes as extremely aerodynamic.
NASA
Boeing's blended wing —
Boeing offered NASA this blended wing concept that includes two turbo-fan engines on top, shielded by vertical tail wings which are meant to block engine noise to the ground.
NASA
California Polytechnic's hybrid wing body —
The wing and body of this design from California Polytechnic State University is meant to allow steep landings and takeoffs. Those kinds of takeoffs and landings are generally quieter for nearby residents.