Doha-based carrier Qatar Airways has signed an agreement with Airbus, converting its existing firm order for A350s to larger and wide-body A350 XWB variants.
The carrier is converting its previous firm order for 20 A350-800s, 40 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s to 43 A350-900s and 37 A350-1000s, taking the total order for A350 XWBs to 80 aircraft.
Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said that the company believes that larger A350 XWB models would be suited to its business strategy.
Scheduled to enter service in 2014, the three variants of the A350, A350-800, A350-900 and A350-1000 will seat between 250 and 400 passengers.
Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Bregier said that Qatar Airways has been involved in the development of the A350 XWB from the very early days and the company welcomed the carrier’s latest decision to grow its business with the two larger A350 XWB models.
"This decision by Qatar Airways not only confirms the market trend towards larger A350’s but it also demonstrates the value of offering, as we do with the A350 XWB, a true family of aircraft from which our customers can select the models that best meet their individual requirements," Bregier said.
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By GlobalDataFeaturing advanced aerodynamics, design and technologies, A350 XWB is a line of mid-size wide-body jets, and according to the European aircraft manufacturer, it will offer a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and decreased operating costs compared with rival aircraft in the segment.
Around 70% of the A350 XWB’s airframe is made using advanced composite materials such as titanium and aluminium alloys, and its carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) fuselage enables low fuel burn, as well as easier maintenance.
Recently, Libya’s flag carrier Afriqiyah Airways placed a firm order for A350-900 jets.
Image: A350-1000, the larger variant in A350 XWB family, is scheduled to enter into service in 2014. Photo: courtesy of Fixion / Airbus SAS.
