DUBAI - Emirates Airline says its order of 50 A350-900s will strengthen its business model “to provide efficient and comfortable air transport services to, and through, our Dubai hub”.
This deal reflects our confidence in the future of the UAE’s aviation sector and is a strong affirmation of Dubai’s strategy to be a global nexus connected to cities, communities and economies via a world-class and modern aviation sector.– Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Emirates Group
Emirates said it had chosen Airbus’ newest generation widebody aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines after “a thorough review of various aircraft options and of our own fleet plans”.
The order of 50 A350s replaces a preliminary agreement from February to order 70 widebody aircraft: 40 A330neos and 30 A350s. That agreement was partially to replace 39 A380s Emirates ordered but will not receive since Airbus is ending production.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Emirates Group, said, “Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment.
“This deal reflects our confidence in the future of the UAE’s aviation sector and is a strong affirmation of Dubai’s strategy to be a global nexus connected to cities, communities and economies via a world-class and modern aviation sector.”
With an ultra-long haul range of 17,900km, Airbus says the A350 XWB
offers 25% lower operating costs, as well as 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared with previous-generation competing aircraft.
The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin is being promoted as the quietest of any twin-aisle aircraft.