Tag Archives: Airbus A350 XWB

Qatar Airways launches Airbus A350-900 service to Singapore, will offer a Doha-Dubai shuttle

Qatar Airways (Doha), as the global launch customer for the Airbus A350-900 XWB, became the first airline to operate the world’s newest aircraft to Singapore and the Asia Pacific region today (May 11), with the inaugural A350-900 XWB service arriving in Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Upon touching down at Singapore Changi Airport, flight QR 944 was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute (above), a long-held tradition to welcome special flights or planes to an airport, and an exclusive welcome ceremony.

Qatar Airways currently operates a double-daily service to Singapore with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (below) and the aircraft will be progressively replaced by the next-generation A350-900 XWB.

Photo Above: Qatar Airways. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner A7-BCB (msn 38320).

In addition, from later this summer, Qatar Airways will add an additional daily flight to Singapore, as part of its global expansion drive and to cater to the increase in passenger demand. All three daily flights will be operated using the A350-900 XWB by mid-August.

In addition, Qatar Airways has announced an expansion to its UAE services with the launch of nonstop flights to Ras Al Khaimah, commencing on October 1, 2015.

Operating daily, flight QR 1120 will depart Doha’s Hamad International Airport at 20:15 hours and arrive at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport at 22.30 hours. The return flight QR 1121 will depart at 23:30 hours and arrive in Doha at 23:45 hours.

Additionally the carrier announced the introduction of Qatar Airways’ newest offering, the Doha-Dubai Shuttle. Having launched this week, the Doha-Dubai Shuttle will offer flights from Doha’s Hamad International Airport to Dubai International Airport, as well as Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai.

The new service which is the first of its kind flying between the two cities brings with it a number of enhanced services that will reduce overall travel time and increase convenience for passengers. The shuttle service, along with its many perks, will be offered on each of the 18 daily flights between the two cities, with 14 flights to and from Dubai International Airport and four to and from Al Maktoum International Airport.

Copyright Photo Above: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A321-231 A7-ADX (msn 3397) departs from tropical Doha, Qatar.

According to the airline, “passengers on the Doha-Dubai Shuttle will also be able to enjoy the newly unveiled Qatar Airways inflight entertainment system with its brand new design and identity. The new brand “Oryx One – Explore. Play. Share.” embraces Qatar Airways’ corporate colours and will provide passengers with a comprehensive experience of entertainment, information and connectivity.

Video: Qatar Airways. The new Oryx One on Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker (below) announced the launch of the Doha-Dubai Shuttle and the unveiled new brand identity of the airline’s inflight entertainment during a press conference on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – the Middle East’s premier travel show – taking place in Dubai this week.

Photo Above: Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker announces the carrier’s 2015 expansion plans and latest undertakings during a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Specially branded and dedicated check-in counters located at Row 5 at Hamad International Airport will be available for all passengers travelling from Doha to Dubai on the Doha-Dubai Shuttle. Passengers who plan on checking in baggage must check in no later than one hour before their scheduled departure time. Return flights from Dubai to Doha also require check in of a minimum of one hour before the scheduled departure time for all passengers, including those with only hand baggage.

Passengers flying on the Qatar Airways Doha-Dubai Shuttle will also be able to take advantage of fast-track immigration in Doha, allowing them to clear passport control in a minimum amount of time before proceeding to their boarding gates located in either Concourse A or B, which are no more than a seven to 10 minute walk, on average, from passport control.

Qatar Airways has so far announced an the addition of seven destinations to its international map this year – Amsterdam, Ras Al Khaimah, Zanzibar, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan and Durban – and is gearing up for more route expansion in 2016 with three new US cities, Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta.

Finally, Qatar Airways and Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca) have announced the launch of a strategic joint business agreement on their services between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Morocco.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker and Royal Air Maroc Chairman and CEO, Mr. Driss Benhima signed the joint business agreement today at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, in the presence of international press and travel trade partners.

The joint business will benefit passengers by providing enhanced links between Qatar and Morocco, greater choice of flights to more destinations and improved frequent flyer benefits. With this new agreement, passengers will be able to purchase a single itinerary combining flights on both carriers’ global networks, affording them the ease of one-stop ticketing and baggage check-in.

Royal Air Maroc will be operating three weekly flights with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Doha complimenting Qatar Airways’ existing seven times weekly flights to Casablanca, giving passengers the flexibility of using a combination of flights from both airlines between Qatar and Morocco, significantly increasing their options.

Video Below: Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways First Officer Robby and his wife talk about the wonderful life they have made for themselves in Doha since he joined the airline. Find out how they have rapidly adapted to the Middle Eastern way of life and why they plan to spend the foreseeable future in this fast-growing, dynamic city, which has so much to offer pilots and their families looking for an exciting new chapter in their lives.

Qatar Airways aircraft slide show:

Lufthansa to take delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 at the end of 2016, first will be based at Munich

Lufthansa (Frankfurt) has announced its first new Airbus A350-900 will be coming to Munich at the end of 2016. Lufthansa has ordered a total of 25 aircraft of this type, which in future will be used on routes from the airline’s Frankfurt and Munich hubs.

This summer Lufthansa will operate a total of 26 long-range aircraft, including 17 Airbus A340-600s and nine A330-300s, from its Munich hub.

According to Lufthansa, “the Airbus A350-900 is more fuel efficient than any other aircraft type. On average the new aircraft will consume a mere 2.9 liters of kerosene per passenger per 100 kilometers, roughly 25 percent less than current-generation aircraft.”

The state-of-the-art Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines and an aerodynamic design will also reduce noise emissions to well below current prescribed limits. In addition, the cabin is extremely quiet, thanks to new insulation methods and sound- absorbing materials. Passengers on board the A350-900 will also benefit from wider panorama windows and more spacious overhead stowage bins.

Technical data

Engine: RR Trent XWB-84
Length: 65.26 meters
Wing span: 64.75 meters
Height: 17.05 meters
Wing area: 443 m2
Max. takeoff weight: 268 tons
Engine performance: 2 x 84,000 lbs
Max. fuel capacity: 138,000 liters
Cruising speed: Mach 0.85
Range*: approx. 9,500 km
Fuel consumption: approx. 2.9 liters /100 pax km
vs. Boeing 747-400: -26%
vs. Airbus A340-300: -24%

* with maximum payload Deutsche Lufthansa AG

Image below: Lufthansa.

Finnair firms up its options for eight Airbus A350s, will trade in four A340-300s

Finnair (Helsinki) has firmed up the eight Airbus A350 XWB aircraft options in its 2006 A350 order placed with Airbus. The eight A350s will be delivered to Finnair starting in 2018. The firm up of the options increases the total number of Finnair’s A350 orders to 19.

Finnair’s current long-haul fleet consists of seven Airbus A340 aircraft and eight A330 aircraft. The long-haul fleet is planned to grow, on average, by one new-generation energy-efficient aircraft per year between 2016 and 2020. Based on the current delivery schedule of A350s, Finnair will receive the first four aircraft in the second half of 2015, seven A350s between 2016 and 2017, and eight A350s between 2018 and 2023. Finnair plans to phase out its A340 aircraft by the end of 2017, following the successful delivery and entry into service of A350 XWB. As a part of the deal Airbus has also agreed to acquire four Airbus A340-300 aircraft currently owned by Finnair in 2016 and 2017.

Top Image: Airbus.

Finnair aircraft slide show:

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Qatar Airways delays the delivery of the first Airbus A350

Qatar Airways (Doha) has delayed “indefinitely” the delivery of the first Airbus A350-900. According to AFP an Airbus spokesperson stated “We are working very closely with Qatar Airways to meet our common goal to deliver the first A350 XWB very soon”. No reason for the delay was given. The delivery of the first Airbus A380 was also delayed previously.

Qatar Airways and Airbus (Toulouse) had previously announced the delivery of the first of its 80 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft was set to take place in Toulouse, France, on Saturday, December 13. The pictured A350-941 F-WZFA (msn 006) was due to be handed over as A7-ALA.

The first commercial service was due to be on the Doha-Frankfurt route starting on January 15, 2015 but this is now delayed.

Qatar Airways aircraft slide show:

Qatar Airways to take delivery of the first Airbus A350-900 on December 13

Qatar Airways (Doha) and Airbus (Toulouse) have announced the highly anticipated date of the official delivery of the first of its 80 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft on order, set to take place in Toulouse, France, on Saturday, December 13. The pictured A350-941 F-WZFA (msn 006) will be handed over as A7-ALA.

The first commercial service will be deployed on the Doha-Frankfurt route starting on January 15, 2015.

Over 70 percent of the A350 XWB’s weight-efficient airframe is made from advanced materials combining composites (53 percent), titanium and advanced aluminium alloys. The aircraft’s innovative all-new Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) fuselage results in lower fuel burn as well as easier maintenance.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 17 years of operation, to the point where today it is flying a modern fleet of 142 aircraft to 145 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

Top Photo: Airbus.

Qatar Airways aircraft slide show:

Video: A sneak preview of the Qatar Airbus A350:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Eurospot/AirlinersGallery.com.

Emirates cancels its Airbus A350 order, upgrades the Boston route and introduces a Boeing 777-300 World Cup logo jet

Emirates (Dubai) in a stunning development has cancelled its order for 70 new Airbus A350s (50 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s) (above). Airbus issued this statement: “Airbus confirms that Emirates Airline has decided to cancel its order of 70 A350 XWB aircraft. The decision follows on-going discussions with the airline in light of their fleet requirement review, as demonstrated by their order of 50 additional A380 at the last Dubai Airshow and their continuous interest in the program. Airbus and Emirates Airline benefit from a long-standing relationship and the airline recently reiterated its confidence in Airbus products particularly by praising the A380 and the benefits the aircraft brings to their operations. The order of 50 A350-900 and 20 A350-1000 was originally placed by Emirates Airline in 2007 with first delivery slots scheduled from 2019. Airbus is very confident in its A350 XWB programme. Half a year before entry into service, the A350 XWB order book stands at a healthy 742 firm orders. The A350 flight test campaign is progressing well and is on track for Type Certification in the coming months. Interest in the game changing A350 has always been very high with customers. Airbus expects the A350 order book to continue growing in 2014.” In other news, Emirates from August 1, will switch from its Boeing 777-200 LR currently operating the route to Boston to a larger Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, adding passenger and cargo capacity. Emirates launched its Boston service – its eighth US gateway – on March 10, 2014. The Boeing 777-300 ER will offer 88 additional Economy Class seats, representing a 40% increase in seating. This is in addition to offering customers a choice of eight First Class Suites and 42 Business Class seats. In additional other news, Emirates has decorated a Boeing 777-300 ER to feature the distinguishable signature of Emirates’ Global Ambassador and three times World Cup winner, Pelé. The airline issued this statement and photo: Just hours before the first World Cup match kicks off in Brazil, Emirates, an Official FIFA Worldwide Partner, is pleased to unveil the first Boeing 777-300 ER to feature the distinguishable signature of Emirates’ Global Ambassador and three times World Cup winner, Pelé (above). The first Emirates Pelé-ane will be connecting football fans with the action this summer on the Dubai to São Paulo route. Identifiable from the ground or the air, the 350 seater aircraft now has a creative design, specific to the FIFA World Cup™, emblazoned on the fuselage along with the recognisable signature of the legendary Brazilian football great. Two further Boeing 777 Pelé-ane’s will be unveiled on the day of the opening match and one Airbus A380 will launch shortly afterwards. 115 Boeing 777 from the Emirates fleet, which will fly football fans to Brazil, will also carry a large 2014 FIFA World Cup™ logo. Those passengers lucky enough to be travelling to Brazil, or any of the other 142 destinations served by Emirates, can also experience different facets of the tournament in a number of ways: At the airport: The world Cup buzz begins at the airport, especially at the airline’s hub in Dubai, where check-in desks now prominently feature the hero image from the Emirates #AllTimeGreats commercial featuring Pele and Cristiano Ronaldo. In the award-winning lounges both in Dubai and the many other locations around the world, passengers can relax with a bite to eat in front of the live streamed games. Ice TV Live will be featured on 16 Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft: From June 12 to July 13, passengers on board one of these 16 Emirates aircraft can watch all 64 matches ‘as live’ on the Sport 24 channel. This capability means not even a flight can get in the way of a football fan’s passions. Or if watching the whole match is too much, one of the seven rolling news channels can keep everyone up to date with the goals. If the flight doesn’t have ice TV Live: Passengers can still get goal-by-goal text updates on the ice Airshow moving map channels. On ice Digital Widescreen, the scores are shown in the news headlines under a dedicated FIFA Update section. Fun for young fliers: To keep the children on board entertained, Emirates will be providing colourful snack boxes with cardboard cut-outs and stylish wrist bands in support of participating teams. The Emirates World Cup initiatives will be on flights for the duration of the tournament starting from 10 June. The airline expects to fly over 18,000 passengers on its daily flights to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo over the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ period. Emirates: Bottom Copyright Photo: Rodrigo Cozzato. Boeing 777-31H ER A6-ECV (msn 35594) arrives on June 10 in an overcast Sao Paulo (Guarulhos) with the special Pelé signature and 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil markings.

Airbus A350 F-WWCF arrives in Florida for two weeks of testing

Airbus (Toulouse) has sen the pictured A350-941 F-WWCF (msn 002) to the McKinley Climatic Lab at Eglin Air Force Base in the Panhandle of Florida for two weeks of extreme weather testing. Airbus issued this statement:

In order to go beyond certification requirements and testing to the extremes the first ever Airbus A350 XWB to visit the United States, msn (manufacturer’s serial number) 002 has arrived at McKinley Climatic Lab at Eglin Air Force base in northwest Florida. Over the next couple of weeks the aircraft and its various systems and cabin installations will be subjected to the extreme hot and cold temperatures that the unique facility can sustain in a testing environment. These tests come on top of those already performed earlier this year in the Middle East and Northern Canada to ensure maturity and full in-service readiness from Day 1 for all A350 XWB’s operators.

There are currently four test aircraft flying in the A350 XWB program. Together they have accumulated around 1,600 flight test hours in more than 350 flights. The certification process for the program is progressing on schedule – certification is anticipated in the third quarter of 2014 with entry into service in the fourth quarter of this year.

Copyright Photo: Olivier Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A350-941 F-WWCF (msn 002) is painted in the eye-catching “Carbon Fiber” livery.

The first Airbus A350 XWB will fly on Friday

Airbus (Toulouse) has confirmed that the A350 XWB first flight is planned for this Friday, June 14, based on current visibility of the program and the flight test status. Weather conditions permitting, the A350 XWB msn 1 will take off from Toulouse-Blagnac airport at around 10:00 am local time.

The A350 XWB flight test teams are now carrying out the last checks on the A350 XWB “MSN1” before they give their final green light for the first flight to take place this Friday. Recent pre-first flight tests successfully carried out include the first power up of the fuel efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines on msn 1, which took place on June 2.

The A350 XWB is the all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The new family will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. Scheduled for entry-into-service in second half of 2014, the A350 XWB has already won 613 firm orders from 33 customers worldwide.

Copyright Photo: Eurospot. Airbus A350-941 F-WXWB (msn 001) taxies at Toulouse yesterday (June 11) prior to the first flight on June 14.

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Airbus reverts back to nickel cadmium batteries for the A350 XWB program

Airbus (Toulouse), not wanting the same battery problems as Boeing with the 787, has invoked its “Plan B” to use the older technology of nickel cadmium batteries instead of the newer lithium ion batteries on its new A350 XWB program. Airbus issued this statement:

“Airbus is confident that the lithium ion (Li-ion) main battery architecture it has been developing with Saft and qualifying for the A350 XWB aircraft is robust and safe. The A350 XWB flight test program will continue as planned with the qualified Li-ion main batteries.

However, to date, the root causes of the two recent industry Li-ion main batteries incidents remain unexplained to the best of our knowledge. In this context, and with a view to ensuring the highest level of program certainty, Airbus has decided to activate its “Plan B” and therefore to revert back to the proven and mastered nickel cadmium main batteries for its A350 XWB program at Entry into Service (EIS). Airbus considers this to be the most appropriate way forward in the interest of program execution and A350 XWB reliability.

In parallel, Airbus has also launched additional maturity studies on Li-ion main batteries behavior in aerospace operations and will naturally take on board the findings of the ongoing official investigation.

As a result of making this decision now, Airbus does not expect it to impact the A350 XWB Entry Into Service schedule.”

Image: Airbus.