Cathay Pacific Airways has selected the Airbus A350 XWB to form the backbone of its future mid-size widebody fleet, with the signature of a letter of intent (LOI) with Airbus for an order of 30 aircraft.
The Hong Kong-based airline has selected the A350-900 variant of the aircraft, which is capable of flying over 8,000 nautical miles non-stop. This will enable Cathay Pacific to operate the aircraft across its route network, including its non-stop flights to Europe and North America, according to Airbus.
Cathay Pacific’s A350-900s will each be powered by two new-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
“The A350-900 is a perfect fit for the development of our fleet. This is a mid-size long haul aircraft that is fuel efficient, and provides the kind of capacity, range and operating economics that we need to complement and enhance our existing fleet,” says Tony Tyler, Cathay Pacific Airways’ chief executive. “The delivery schedule fits our requirements very neatly. The 30 new aircraft will be deployed to replace older aircraft and grow our fleet to meet the challenges of the future.”
In signing a letter of intent for 30 Airbus A350-900s, Cathay Pacific Airways has become the first Chinese customer for the A350 XWB family. The A350-900 will form the backbone of the airline's future mid-size widebody fleet
Adds Tyler: “The purchasing process has been a rigorous and competitive one which has produced the best result for Cathay Pacific at the end of the day.”
“We are honored that Cathay Pacific Airways, as one of the most prestigious and well-managed airlines in Asia, has selected the all-new A350 XWB over the competitor’s offering. We are equally pleased to welcome Cathay Pacific as our first Chinese customer for the A350,” says John Leahy, Airbus’ chief operating officer, customers.
“The strength of our all-new, long-range, eco-efficient airliner has evidently ticked all the boxes in this very tough and professional evaluation,” adds Leahy. “Offering a 25 per cent reduction in fuel-burn, the A350 XWB will enable Cathay Pacific to benefit from the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in this size category, while offering its passengers the highest levels of comfort and premium service for which the airline is renowned.”
The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) family is an all-new, mid-size, long-range family of widebody jets comprising three basic passenger versions seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. Scheduled for entry into service in 2013, the A350 family has already won firm orders for a total of 535 aircraft.
Related to this story:
- ALAFCO Orders Six More A350-900s, Signs MOU for 30 A320neos
- Cathay Pacific Orders 15 More Airbus A330-300s
- Cathay Pacific Airways Orders Six More Boeing 777-300ERs
- Republic Signs Letter of Intent for 24 More Embraer 190s in $1B Deal
- United Firms up Order for 25 Airbus A350-900s
