Cathay Pacific selects A350-1000 with Trent XWB engines
In addition, the Hong Kong-based airline will convert 16 of its existing orders for the A350-900 to the larger A350-1000. The acquisition of the A350-1000, which is subject to the approval of the Board of the airline, will bring the total number of A350 XWB aircraft ordered by Cathay Pacific to 48. The airline also has separate lease agreements to acquire two more aircraft.
The A350-1000 is the largest version of the A350 XWB family and typically seats 350 passengers in a three class layout. The aircraft is capable of flying 8,400 nautical miles non-stop and will be operated by Cathay Pacific on higher density routes, including its longest non-stop flights to Europe and North America. The aircraft will be powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines delivering 97,000lbs of thrust – the most powerful engines ever developed for an Airbus aircraft - includes long-term TotalCare® service support.
The Trent XWB is specifically designed for the Airbus A350 XWB family and is the fastest selling Trent engine ever, with more than 1,100 already sold. The 97,000lb thrust version of the engine is the exclusive powerplant for the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
John Slosar, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways said: “This is an important and strategic development for Cathay Pacific. The A350-1000 aircraft will bring us world-beating fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. It will also be a very popular aircraft with our customers and its improved payload and range will allow us to connect more and more important cities worldwide directly with Hong Kong. With this order, Cathay Pacific will have a total of 100 aircraft on order for delivery by 2020 comprising an aggregate investment at list prices of HK$218 billion.”
“This announcement from one of the world’s most highly respected airlines is a clear endorsement of the unbeatable operating economics offered by the A350-1000,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO. “The A350-1000 will be a game changer in the 350-seat category, offering outstanding payload-range capability and a 25% reduction in fuel burn. As an all-new design, it will outperform existing aircraft in its size category on every count, as well as any future derivatives of those aircraft.”
Mark King, Rolls-Royce, President - Civil Aerospace, said: "We are delighted Cathay Pacific Airways has selected an engine that is already delivering world-leading levels of efficiency in its flight trials. Cathay's decision represents a vote of confidence in the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and the technology that has created the higher thrust version of the Trent XWB. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the airline."
The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB already has a total of 548 firm orders from 34 customers worldwide.
