Airbus presents A350 XWB: new Extra Wide Body Family for the 21st century

Airbus' new President and CEO, Christian Streiff, confirmed today Airbus' commitment to its customers and future business growth and presented a whole new family of aircraft, the A350 XWB, for Extra Wide Body, Extra Comfort, Extra Efficiency and going the Extra mile for customers.

The new family will consist of four passenger versions and one freighter, completing the Airbus long-range product for the 21st century with the most modern and technologically advanced products. Increased range, increased speed, enhanced passenger comfort and the best economics will make the A350 XWB a reference for the future.

"I want this company to get back to its basics: Airbus' success has been based on the enormous courage it took to introduce the latest technologies, and on strong customer orientation with a spirit of always delivering more than expected. I want to keep this Airbus way of working, but on top be focussed 100 percent on orderly execution and reliability," said Airbus' President and CEO Christian Streiff. He added: "Based on previous lessons learnt, the A350 XWB brings Airbus fully back into the game and will be a success. A success for customers, shareholders and all other stakeholders in Airbus."

The A350-800 seats 270 passengers in a spacious three-class configuration, the A350-900 can accommodate 314 and the A350-1000 is designed for a capacity of 350. These three versions will have a range of 8500 nm and a cruise speed of Mach 0.85. Entry into service for the A350-900 is foreseen for 2012. Beyond this, the A350-900R will take the range even further as an ultra long-range aircraft. A freighter version, the A350-900F will complete the family.

A generation beyond existing aircraft in this category, passengers on board the A350 XWB will benefit from a wider cross section, allowing for wider seats, wider aisles and more head and shoulder clearance. 20 percent cabin humidity and wider panoramic windows will further enhance the passenger experience.

Taking advantage of the most modern technology developed for the A380, the A350 XWB will offer the most advanced interactive cockpit with a head-up display, a dual integrated standby instrument system, a vertical display, on board information, airport navigation system and the brake to vacate function.

The latest new generation engines will make it the most fuel efficient aircraft in this category with up to 30 percent advantage over current existing aircraft and six percent over future aircraft in development. It also offers the quietest aircraft in the sky with low noise and low emissions, responding to the most stringent environmental requirements. QC1 for departure and QC 0.5 for arrival will make it a most friendly neighbor.

Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems.

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