On Monday, Airbus and Emirates announced a purchase agreement for 50 A350 XWBs on the second day of the 2019 Dubai Airshow.
There was some concern about the lack of widebody orders during the first day of the 2019 Dubai Airshow, but that changed today with the order of 50 Airbus A350XWBs by Emirates. The airline is the largest operator in the world of the massive A380 jumbo jet and today’s order signifies the transition to smaller more efficient aircraft. The order was signed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum who said,
“Today, we are pleased to sign a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This follows a thorough review of various aircraft options and our own fleet plans. It is Emirates’ long-standing strategy to invest in modern and efficient aircraft, and we are confident in the performance of the A350 XWB. Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment. In effect, we are strengthening our business model to provide efficient and comfortable air transport services to, and through, our Dubai hub.”
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Guillaume Faury added,
“We are honoured by Emirates’ strong vote of confidence in our newest widebody aircraft, taking our partnership to the next level. The A350 will bring unbeatable economics and environmental benefits to their fleet. We look forward to seeing the A350 flying in Emirates colors.”
The A350 XWB has a range of up to 17,900 kilometers and is equipped with the “Airspace by Airbus” cabin, providing the quietest passenger experience in its class. With the latest aerodynamic design, carbon-fiber fuselage and wings, and new Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the aircraft promises a 25% reduction in operating costs and fuel burn.
Source: Airbus