Japan Airlines (JAL) has agreed to purchase 31 A350 XWBs, including 18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s, in a $9.5bn deal, with an option for an additional 25 aircraft.
The deal is JAL’s first ever order for Airbus airliners, as well as the first A350 XWB order from Japan.
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With the aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2019, JAL plans to gradually replace its ageing fleet approximately over a six year period with the A350 XWB’s.
JAL president Yoshiharu Ueki said: "We will utilise the A350 XWB to maximum, which offers high level of operational efficiency and product competitiveness, while positively catering to new business opportunities after slots at airports in Tokyo are increased."
"In addition to improving profitability with advanced aircraft, we always aim to deliver unparalleled services to customers with the latest cabin and steady expansion of our route network."
With the latest deal, Airbus has logged over 750 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 38 customers across the world.
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By GlobalDataPowered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350-900 will accommodate more than 300 passengers in a three-class layout on routes as long as 8,100nm, while the A350-1000 will seat 350 people on longer missions up to 8,400nm.
The A350-900 is scheduled for entry into commercial service in the second half of 2014.
According to Airbus, more than 70% of A350 XWB’s airframe is made from materials combining composites (53%), titanium and advanced aluminium alloys.
The A350 XWB MSN1 has to date completed about 300 flight test hours out of the total 2,500 hours which are set to be achieved by five flight test A350’s in the coming months.
Image: JAL plans to gradually replace its ageing fleet approximately over a six year period with the A350 XWB’s. Photo: courtesy of Airbus S.A.S.
