Airbus unveils the A350 XWB

Airbus has unveiled details of its new-look Airbus A350 family of aircraft, and enhanced competition to not only Boeing's 787 Dreamliner but also Boeing's 777 with the A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body). The new family will consist of four passenger versions and one freighter. 

“I want this company to get back to its basics: Airbus’ success has been based on the enormous courage it took to introduce the latest technologies, and on strong customer orientation with a spirit of always delivering more than expected. I want to keep this Airbus way of working, but on top be focussed 100% on orderly execution and reliability,” said Airbus’ President and CEO Christian Streiff. He added, “Based on previous lessons learnt, the A350 XWB brings Airbus fully back into the game and will be a success. A success for customers, shareholders and all other stakeholders in Airbus.”

The A350-800 seats 270 passengers in a spacious three-class configuration, the A350-900 can accommodate 314 and the A350-1000 is designed for a capacity of 350. These three versions will have a range of 8500 nm and a cruise speed of Mach 0.85. Entry into service for the A350-900 is foreseen for 2012. Beyond this, the A350-900R will take the range even further as an ultra long-range aircraft. A freighter version, the A350-900F will complete the family.

Passengers on board the A350 XWB should benefit from a wider cross section, allowing for wider seats, wider aisles and more head and shoulder clearance. 20% cabin humidity and wider panoramic windows will further enhance the passenger experience.

Taking advantage of technology developed for the A380, the A350 XWB will offer an interactive cockpit with a head-up display, a dual integrated standby instrument system, a vertical display, on board information, airport navigation system and the brake to vacate function.

The latest new generation engines will make it one of most fuel efficient aircraft in this category with up to a 30% advantage over current existing aircraft and 6% over future aircraft in development. It also offers low noise and low emissions with QC1 for departure and QC 0.5 for arrival.

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