Singapore Airlines signs Contract for 20 Airbus A350 XWBs

Last week, Singapore Airlines signed a contract with Airbus for twenty A350-900 XWB aircraft, with options to purchase twenty additional units, affirming the Letter of Intent signed by the parties in July last year. Deliveries for the twenty aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2013 and run through to 2015. At list prices, the value of the twenty aircraft on firm order is US$3.7 billion, inclusive of engines and spares.

The A350 XWB (extra wide-body) is Airbus’ response to market demand for a medium capacity long range wide-body family. Available from 2013, it will have an entirely new 21st Century design with a new and wider fuselage for extra space and passenger comfort.

“We are very proud to have Singapore Airlines as a very early customer for the all new A350 XWB, particularly since it follows the announcement for nine additional A380 orders and 19 A330 leases. As one of the undisputed leaders of the global air transport industry, Singapore Airlines sets the most demanding standards to ensure that its aircraft combine outstanding passenger appeal, unbeatable efficiency and exceptional environmental friendliness. This makes it all the more gratifying for the A350 XWB to have been selected to meet the airline's requirement for future fleet growth and global network expansion,” said Louis Gallois, President and CEO, Airbus.

The A350 XWB will be available in three basic passenger versions, the A350-800 which can fly 270 passengers in a spacious three-class configuration up to 8,500 nm / 15,750 km, the A350-900 seating 314, and the A350-1000 which is designed for 350, both with ranges of up to 8,300nm / 15,400 km. With a cross section of 232 inches / 5.9 meters, the A350 XWB will benefit from one of the widest fuselages in its category. The aircraft can also carry over 20 tonnes of cargo.

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