Air Caraibes to launch Airbus A350-1000 in Europe

French Caribbean carrier Air Caraibes has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for three A350-1000 aircraft. With this purchase decision the airline becomes the European launch customer for the largest version of the A350 XWB.

The aircraft will be operated on the airline's network from Paris to the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique and soon to French Guyana. They will be configured in three classes with a total of 440 seats.

"The A350 XWB will continue the track record of spectacular efficiency and low operating costs we already experience with the A330", said Jean-Paul Dubreuil, President of Air Caraibes. "Aircraft commonality, which is unique to Airbus aircraft, will allow our pilots to transition efficiently to the A350 XWB. Most importantly, this aircraft assures lowest fuel burn, which perfectly matches our growth strategy."

Air Caraibes already operates a young all Airbus long haul fleet of two A330-200s and one A330-300, with three more aircraft of the same type (A330-300) on order. As the airline continues to add capacity on their popular long haul routes, the A350-1000 will become the backbone of the fleet.

Air Caraibes operates approximately 20 flights per week out of the Paris hub, serving Guadeloupe and Martinique and from there an extensive inter-Caribbean islands route network including, Santa Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Bartholomew, the Dominican Republic, as well as routes to Costa Rica and Panama.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family will have a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions: the A350-800, the A350-900 and the A350-1000.

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