Aerospace

United Airlines increases A350 XWB order to 45

Posted 6 September 2017

United Airlines has increased the number of A350 XWB aircraft for its fleet, updating and expanding its previous order for 35 A350-1000 to 45 A350-900 widebody aircraft, plus additional Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

The A350-900 is the cornerstone member of the A350XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) family, typically seating 325 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and features the new Airspace by Airbus cabin. These aircraft will be the first Airbus widebodies to join United’s global fleet.

“For the past year, United has done a complete review to ensure that we have the right long-term fleet strategy, and it was clear that the A350 aligns with our replacement needs and our network,” said Andrew Levy, Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines. “The combination of the range performance and efficiencies make the A350 an attractive aircraft for United.”

“This updated and expanded order is a strong reaffirmation of the A350 XWB Family,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “United and Airbus have had a long and strong partnership for many years, and we’ve worked together to ensure their requirements for the future are met, if not exceeded. The airline’s decision to grow its widebody fleet with, for the first time, a widebody model from Airbus, shows they know that the A350 will meet their financial and performance demands, while pleasing their customers who will enjoy the quietest and most comfortable cabin in its class.”

The A350 XWB twin-aisle airliner features latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines.

Rolls-Royce is to provide additional Trent XWB engines to United Airlines - following the airline’s announcement that it will update and expand the number of A350 XWB aircraft on order - plus Rolls-Royce's long-term TotalCare service support will be provided for all the engines.

Since it entered passenger service in 2015, the Trent XWB is the fastest selling wide body jet engine ever, with over 1,600 engines ordered by 45 customers worldwide.

The manufacturing backlog stands are more than 1,500 engines, representing over six years of production from Rolls-Royce's facilities in the UK and Germany.

Andrew Levy, Chief Financial Officer, United Airlines, commented: “We continue to bring new levels of performance and reliability to our customers and we look forward to working with Rolls-Royce to introduce this exciting aircraft and engine combination into our fleet.”

Dominic Horwood, Director Customers and Services – Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, said: “This is a significant further achievement for both the A350 and our Trent XWB engine by a highly respected operator. It is great to see the continued growth of the United Airlines A350 fleet and we look forward to delivering an outstanding product as well as our flagship TotalCare service.”

The 100th A350 was delivered at the end of July 2017 and to date, Airbus has recorded a total of 848 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide.