July 18, 2006 Airbus used the backdrop of the Farnborough Air Show to today present a new family of aircraft, the A350 XWB, for Extra Wide Body, which will offer increased range, more speed, enhanced passenger comfort and improved economics and efficiency. The new family will consist of four passenger versions and one freighter. 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.
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.
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 neighbour.
