Airbus, the aircraft unit of The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), is set to deliver its first A350 XWB by the end of 2015, EADS chief executive Tom Enders has announced.
The A350 XWB, a wide-bodied jet, is the latest in Airbus’s passenger aircraft portfolio.
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This new fuel-efficient aircraft will compete with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, which has been facing several technical troubles.
Airbus initially announced the A350 aircraft, a longer-range and lighter derivative of the A330 aircraft, in 2004.
However, after a reassessment of market needs the aircraft manufacturer unveiled a larger and heavier variant with extra-wide body in December 2006.
Although A350 XWB is slightly behind the 787 in terms of schedule, 750 of the new model have already been sold, Enders noted.
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By GlobalData"I was quite pleased that we were trailing the 787 because by taking our time we could learn some of the lessons from that project," he told AFP.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine, Airbus’s A350 XWB is made of 45% lightweight high-strength composite construction and 55% low-density aluminium lithium alloy, steel, aluminium and titanium.
Last week, Airbus announced a $9.5bn deal with Japan Airlines (JAL), a move that challenges its rival, Boeing’s dominance in Japan.
The order included 18 long-haul A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s with an option for additional 25 aircraft.
Airbus’s first order from JAL, the flag carrier of Japan, is expected increased sales in Tokyo, Enders said.
Image: Airbus A350 XWB is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Photo: file image.
