Fri, Mar 12, 2010
Airline Becomes 33rd Customer For Newest Airbus Model Still In
Development
United has formalized a commitment originally announced in
December 2009, signing a firm order for 25 A350-900 XWB aircraft.
The airframe of the twin-engine widebody under development by
Airbus will be comprised of 53 percent composite materials. The
aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
Deliveries of the aircraft to United will begin in 2016 and run
through 2019.
"This is the latest chapter in a very strong relationship that
has spanned two decades," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating
Officer - Customers. "From the delivery of the first United A320 in
November 1993 to today, Airbus and United have worked together
successfully to weather challenging market periods. It's a true
testament to what the A350 XWB has to offer that one of the largest
airlines in the world has selected it to be an instrumental part of
their future."
"With this order we are investing in United's future, gaining a
widebody aircraft that will help us reduce operating costs while
still providing state-of-the-art comfort to our customers," said
John Tague, President of United Airlines. "The A350 XWB will also
help us reduce fuel burn and our overall environmental footprint in
comparison to older technology aircraft."
Mark King, President - Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, added:
"This represents a significant endorsement of our Trent XWB
technology and its operational advantage. We are delighted that
United Airlines has put its trust in the long-term performance
advantages of Trent technology and TotalCare."
Airbus Computer Rendering
Airbus says the three passenger versions being developed will
have true long-range capability and flexibility. The A350-800 is
expected to fly 270 passengers in a three-class configuration 8300
nautical miles. The 314-seat A350-900 and 350-seat A350-1000 is
projected to offer similar long-range performance.
The order book for the aircraft type now stands at 530 aircraft.
Final assembly of the first aircraft is anticipated in 2011, with
the first delivery (of an A350-900) scheduled for 2013.
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