But Engine Redesign Pushes Entry Into Service Back By 18 Months

Saying it is responding to the market's call for more payload and range, Airbus and Rolls-Royce said Monday they will jointly develop the A350-1000 with more powerful Trent XWB engines. The enhanced version of the Trent XWB engine will be fully optimised for the largest member of the A350 XWB Family, and will deliver up to 97,000lbs of thrust on takeoff, making it the most powerful engine ever developed for an Airbus aircraft. The entry into service is now set for mid 2017. “This will unequivocally assure the A350-1000’s position as the most efficient aircraft in its category,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer. That category includes Boeing's 777. Airbus had originally planned to power all three models in its A350 line with the same engine.

A350-1000 Artist's Rendering

“Trent XWB engines currently on test are proving it to be the most advanced civil aero engine in the world today," said Mark King, Rolls-Royce President, Civil Aerospace. "The higher thrust variant of the Trent XWB optimised for the A350-1000 incorporates further innovations from our Advance 3 technology demonstrator programmes. This has enabled us to offer our partner, Airbus, a new, higher thrust version of the engine with industry-leading levels of efficiency.”

The extra thrust together with an increased aircraft takeoff weight capability of 339 tons will enable airlines to fly the new A350-1000 approximately 400nm further with a full load of 350 passengers, or carry nearly five extra tons of payload at a given range. Airbus says the A350-1000’s payload-range capability will  support the development of long haul-routes for emerging markets, as well as more traditional routes while burning less fuel.

The A350 XWB Family consists of three passenger versions with true long-range capability. The A350-1000 is the largest of these and will typically accommodate 350 seats. To date, four key customers have ordered a total of 75 A350-1000s. Airbus forecasts a demand over the next 20 years for around 5,800 new twin-aisle mid-size passenger aircraft. The A350-900 is expected to be flying passengers by the end of 2013.

FMI: www.airbus.com