|
United Airlines has formalized a commitment
originally announced in December 2009, signing a firm order for 25
A350-900 XWB aircraft, the newest twin-engine widebody from
Airbus. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB
engines. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in 2016 and run
through 2019.
"With this order
we are investing in United's future, gaining a widebody aircraft
that will help us reduce operating costs while still providing
state-of-the-art comfort to our customers," said John Tague,
President of United Airlines. "The A350 XWB will also help us
reduce fuel burn and our overall environmental footprint in
comparison to older technology aircraft."
Mark King,
President - Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, added, "This represents
a significant endorsement of our Trent XWB technology and its
operational advantage. We are delighted that United Airlines has
put its trust in the long-term performance advantages of Trent
technology and TotalCare."
The A350 XWB is a new family
of mid-size widebody airliners.
The A350 XWB airframe will have 53% composite materials,
lightening the weight thereby maximizing fuel economy. Featuring
an entirely new, quiet cabin with extra space and comfort,
passengers will enjoy more headroom, wide panoramic windows and
more overhead storage area.
The A350-800 will
fly 270 passengers in a three-class configuration 8300 nautical
miles. The 314-seat A350-900 and 350-seat A350-1000 will offer
similar long-range performance.
The order book for the
aircraft type now stands at 530 aircraft. Final assembly of the
first aircraft is anticipated in 2011, with the first delivery (of
an A350-900) scheduled for 2013.
See other recent news regarding:
Airlines,
Airports,
Flights,
Codeshare,
Lounges,
First Class,
Business Class,
MICE,
GDS,
Rewards,
Miles,
Hotels,
Apartments,
Promotions,
Spas,
New Hotels,
Traffic,
Visitor Arrivals,
Cruises,
Free Deals,
Videos,
United Airlines,
Airbus,
A350
|
