Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • French bee takes delivery of its first A350-1000

Aerospace

French bee takes delivery of its first A350-1000

French bee - the low-cost, long-haul airline (Groupe Dubreuil member) based in France - has taken delivery of its first A350-1000, on lease from Air Lease Corporation, to join its fleet and make the airline an all-A350 fleet operator.

Above: Air Caraïbes and French bee A350-1000.
Copyright Airbus

The aircraft is the first of two A350-1000s to be operated by the carrier on route from Paris to Saint Denis de La Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.

The A350-1000s will complement the four A350-900 aircraft already in the French bee fleet, providing the airline with unrivalled operational flexibility and eco-efficient solutions for its network.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The aircraft features 480 seats in a two-class layout (40 premium class and 440 economy class), providing all the comfort and amenities of Airbus’ Airspace cabin, including state-of-the-art, in-flight passenger entertainment (IFE) and full WiFi connectivity throughout the cabin. The A350 cabin is also the quietest of any twin-aisle aircraft.

The A350-1000, Airbus’ largest widebody in the twin-engine category, features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, allowing the airline to fly long-haul destinations up to 16,000 km (8,700nm).
Together, these elements translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency with 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions and 50% reduction in noise.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Simultaneously, the Dubreuil group also takes delivery of another A350-1000 on lease from Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) intended for Air Caraïbes, bringing the number of Airbus aircraft in the group's fleet to 15.

At the end of November 2021, the A350 Family had received 913 firm orders from 49 customers worldwide.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

Aerospace

Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

24 April 2026

The first of 30 Airbus A321XLRs for Canada’s flag carrier Air Canada, has been delivered.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Boeing and Ontic expand partnership

Aerospace Events

Boeing and Ontic expand partnership

24 April 2026

Boeing and Ontic have announced a new distribution agreement at MRO Americas to supply Grimes engine valves to commercial airlines worldwide, pairing Boeing Distribution’s global reach with Ontic’s manufacturing to shorten lead times and improve aircraft readiness.

Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

Aerospace Security

Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

24 April 2026

On World Pilot Day (Sunday 26th April) air ambulance pilots are teaming up with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to urge drone users to fly responsibly after emergency helicopter flights were disrupted by drones during lifesaving missions in 2025.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

Aerospace

Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

23 April 2026

Cranfield University has been selected to play a key role in a major UK research initiative aimed at improving the understanding of aviation’s non CO₂ climate impacts.

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

Aerospace

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

23 April 2026

Ontic has introduced a new teardown procurement initiative to address one of the industry's most persistent challenges, namely the availability of hard-to-source components for established platforms.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner