Is a Further Stretch for the Airbus A350 Possible?

A further stretch of the A350 is technically feasible for Airbus, but its viability depends on several factors. While the A350-2000 has the potential to compete with Boeing’s 777X in terms of passenger capacity and operating costs, Airbus has not made a commitment to launch this project.

The A350-1000 is the largest model in the A350 family, and it can accommodate up to 369 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. In a high-density layout, it can seat up to 440 passengers. Airbus has also proposed a new cabin configuration for the A350 that would allow for 10 seats per row instead of the typical nine, increasing the passenger capacity by an average of 30 seats on the A350-900 and -1000.

As of April 2023, there have been 222 orders for the A350-1000, with 69 of them already delivered. Some of the major customers for the A350-1000 include Qatar Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Etihad Airways. These airlines have chosen the A350-1000 to enhance their long-haul operations due to its spacious and efficient design.

There are challenges that Airbus would need to address before proceeding with a further stretch. One of the key considerations is whether the existing engines, such as the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB, can provide sufficient thrust for the heavier and longer aircraft. Alternatively, Airbus may need to develop a new engine variant with increased power to meet the requirements.

Another factor to consider is the demand for a large aircraft like the A350-2000, especially in the post-pandemic landscape. The reduction in long-haul travel and the industry’s shift towards smaller and more flexible aircraft could impact the market potential for such a large variant.

While Airbus has been working on various improvements to its A350 family, such as increasing the maximum take-off weight and developing a freighter version, it has stated that no new aircraft programs will be launched until at least 2025. This timeframe allows Airbus to focus on recovery efforts and fulfill existing orders.

However, Airbus has not ruled out the possibility of a further stretch of the A350 in the future if there is sufficient market demand and customer interest. The Paris Air Show could provide an opportunity for Airbus to assess the potential for the A350-2000 and potentially challenge Boeing’s dominance in the large twin-engine segment.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, airbus.com, simpleflying.com