United Signs Firm Order for 25 Airbus A350 XWBs

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.

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