Kuwait Airways Firms Order for 10 Airbus A350-900s and 15 A320neos

Kuwait Airways, the national airline of Kuwait, has converted a previous commitment for 25 Airbus aircraft into a firm order.

The airline signed a memorandum of understanding on December 9, 2013 for the 25 jets, which include 10 Airbus A350-900s and 15 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft.

On December 9, 2013, Kuwait Airways signed a memorandum of understanding to order 10 Airbus A350-900 widebodies and 15 Airbus A320neo-family single-aisle jets. The airline converted the MOU into a firm order on February 20, 2014. This computer graphic image shows an A350-900 in Kuwait Airways colors

According to Airbus, Kuwait Airways’ order forms part of the airline’s fleet renewal strategy. Kuwait Airways already operates three A320s, three A310s, five A300s and four A340-family aircraft.

“We are pleased to sign this deal with Airbus at this juncture of our sixty years journey,” says Rasha Al Roumi, Kuwait Airways’ chairperson. “The A350-900 will strengthen our long-haul route development ,whilst the A320neo will further boost our regional route network. These aircraft are an essential part of our ambitious growth plans.”

Airbus offers the A320neo configuration as an option for the Airbus A320 family. The A320neo family incorporates new, more efficient engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices. Together these advances will deliver up to 15 per cent in fuel savings compared to existing A320-family aircraft, according to Airbus.

Kuwait Airways signed a memorandum of understanding on December 9, 2013 for an order with Airbus for 10 A350-900s and 15 A320neo-family jets. The airline converted the MOU into a firm order on February 20, 2014. This computer graphic image shows an A320neo in Kuwait Airways livery

The Airbus A350 XWB family comprises three versions: the A350-800, for which orders have been sparse; the high-selling A350-900; and the A350-1000, the largest member of the family and an aircraft accumulating a quickly growing orderbook.

According to Airbus, the A350 XWB family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat width for long-range passenger comfort, will offer a 25 per cent improvement in fuel-efficiency compared with existing aircraft in the same size category.