IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

The Airbus A350 family of widebody airliners is proving to be a great success with carriers being attracted by its ultra long range and greatly reduced operating costs. Nigel Price summarises the type’s history, and looks at what the future might hold for this impressive aircraft.

Qatar Airways was the launch customer for the -900 and the -1000 versions of the A350. Illustrated is A350-1000 A7-ANA (nearest to the camera) in formation with -900 A7- ALY. P Masclet/Airbus

On September 22, crowds gathered at Toulouse to witness the gleaming Airbus A350-900 Ultra Long Range (ULR) F-WZNY/9VSGA taxi out from his hardstanding, and power down the runway at the start of its journey to launch customer Singapore Airlines (SIA). This flight marked a major milestone in the European manufacturer’s history – its new model, designed to fly enormous distances non-stop, was about to enter service.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below