Flying The A350: Airbus’s Most Technologically Advanced Airliner

Passenger comfort, operating economics and systems safety are all part of the appeal of Airbus’s new big twin

Airbus and Boeing are betting their futures on a new generation of long-range widebody twins with better fuel efficiency, lower operating costs and reduced noise and emissions compared with today’s two- and four-engine widebodies.

The A350 is Airbus’s largest, longest-range, highest-flying and fastest-cruising twin. The A350-900, the first version now entering service with Qatar Airways and other carriers, is a larger aircraft than Boeing’s 787. With nine-abreast economy seating, the A350 can fly 315 passengers 7,750 nm at Mach 0.85. The 787-9 seats 280 and has a maximum range of 8,300 nm.

Having flown the 787 in 2012 (AW&ST Dec. 10, 2012, p. 46), Aviation Week & Space Technology has now had the opportunity to fly the A350. Several differences are apparent, between the new Airbus and Boeing widebody twins and between the A350 and earlier A330.

The A350 has the most efficient wing yet designed by Airbus. The aircraft’s nominal range with 315 passengers is 7,750 nm. Credit: Airbus

Both the A350 and 787 make extensive use of composites, have full three-axis digital flight controls and use the latest turbofan engines—Rolls-Royce Trent XWBs on the Airbus. But the A350 has a more conservative systems design than the 787, with fewer electrically powered systems. The Airbus has only two hydraulic systems, whereas the Boeing has three; its dual electrical systems provide the critical flight control redundancy.

Emirates’ Decision To Cancel A350 Order Will Be A “Blow” For Airbus

The Dubai carrier cancelled its entire order of 70 A350 XWB aircraft following a “fleet requirement review”.

Dubai carrier Emirates’ decision to cancel its entire order of A350 aircraft from Airbus will be a big blow to the European planemaker, according to an analyst.

“Emirates’ decision to cancel all 70 of its planned A350 XWB orders will come as a surprise and a blow to Airbus, particularly as the A350-900 approaches the end of a very successful flight test programme ahead of initial deliveries towards the end of this year,” said Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research.com.

In a statement on Tuesday, Airbus revealed that the decision followed on-going discussions with the airline in light of their fleet requirement review.

Etihad Cancels Seven Airbus A350-1000s

The Gulf carrier reduced its Airbus A350 order, cancelling aircraft worth $2.3 billion at current list prices.

European planemaker Airbus suffered a fresh setback to its largest twin-engined jet development, the A350-1000, when it emerged that Gulf carrier Etihad had cancelled seven aircraft worth $2.3 billion at current list prices.

Qatar Airways Upgrades Airbus A350 Order

Qatar Airways is the launch customer for the future A350.

Qatar Airways is set to upgrade an order for 20 Airbus A350 aircraft to larger variants, a move that includes new backing for a model designed to compete with Boeing’s 777 mini-jumbo, aviation sources said on Monday.