The
State of Qatar’s national airline, Qatar Airways and Airbus have
signed an amendment to convert its existing firm order for twenty
(20) A350-800s, forty (40) A350-900s and twenty (20) A350-1000s to
forty three (43) A350-900s and thirty seven (37) A350-1000s. Qatar
Airways’ total order for A350 XWB aircraft remains at eighty (80)
aircraft.
“We
have taken the time necessary to come to today’s decision in favour
of the larger A350 XWB models which we believe are best suited to our
business model,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ CEO.
“Qatar
Airways has been involved in the development of the A350 XWB from the
very early days. So we are truly delighted with their decision to
grow their business with the two larger A350 XWB models,” said
Fabrice Bregier, Airbus’ President and CEO. “This decision by
Qatar Airways not only confirms the market trend towards larger
A350’s but it also demonstrates the value of offering, as we do
with the A350 XWB, a true family of aircraft from which our customers
can select the models that best meet their individual requirements.”
The
A350 XWB is Airbus’ all new family of mid-size wide body airliners.
These highly efficient aircraft bring together the latest in
aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies to provide up to 25
percent better fuel efficiency and operating costs compared to
current aircraft in the same size category. Over 70 percent of the
A350 XWB’s weight-efficient airframe is made from advanced
materials combining composites (53 percent), titanium and advanced
aluminium alloys. The aircraft’s innovative all-new Carbon Fibre
Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) fuselage results in lower fuel burn as well
as easier maintenance. The A350 XWB benefits from Airbus’ high
level of expertise in incorporating composite material into its
aircraft.
