• rsz_airbus_50th_years_anniversary_formation_flight_-_air_to_air
    Airbus
    Stock Code:
    AIR
    Date Founded:
    1970-12-18
    CEO:
    Guillaume Faury
    Headquarters Location:
    Toulouse, France
    Key Product Lines:
    Airbus A220, Airbus A320, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350, Airbus A380
    Business Type:
    Planemaker

Airbus is currently producing two models of its Airbus A350 family, which represents one of the most forward-thinking widebody aircraft series on the market. But how are they different, and why did Airbus build two models? Let's explore!

Why was the Airbus A350 built?

The Airbus A350 is the spiritual successor to the A340 line. It specializes in long-range travel, but not with a passenger capacity as great as the double-decker A380. The A350 competes against the Boeing 787-10 and the 777 series, especially rivaling the new Boeing 777X that will enter into service in the mid-2020s.

There are presently two versions of the A350, namely the smaller A350-900 and the longer A350-1000. Airbus did have plans for a short-fuselage A350-800 that would have found its way as a competitor to smaller Boeing 787 aircraft. However, due to product delays, this model was dropped in favor of others in the series.

Passenger differences

The Airbus A350-900 primarily caters to the 300-350 passenger market segment, with a typical two-class configuration featuring 315 seats, (48 business and 267 economy). The plane has a maximum exit limit of 440 passengers.

Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

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For the Airbus A350-900ULR, the configuration can be different by removing the economy and replacing it with a premium economy cabin instead. Singapore operates this type, configuring it with 161 seats, (94 premium economy recliners and 67 business flatbeds). Interestingly, the larger business cabin is said to typically sell out before the smaller and cheaper premium economy cabin.

When it comes to capacity, the A350-1000 outperforms the -900 as it benefits from being seven meters longer (73.8 m compared to 66.8 m). It also has a slightly larger wing area of 464.3 square meters (vs 442 on the smaller A350-900). This variant has a typical two-class configuration of 369 passengers (54 business and 315 economy), with its maximum exit limit being 480.

Range differences

When it comes to range, it gets a little more complex. The figures for the series are:

  • A350-900: 15,000 km / 8,100 nautical miles.
  • A350-900ULR: 18,000 km / 9,700 nautical miles.
  • A350-1000: 16,100 km / 8,700 nautical miles.
Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350-1041 G-VTEA
The A350-1000 is seven meters longer than its classmate. Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

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Typically, you might think that the bigger the plane, the more fuel it can carry and, thus, the greater range it can achieve. However, with the A350 series, this isn't the case, as the A350-900ULR has the longest range, despite not having any auxiliary fuel tanks. However, other adaptations to the design did succeed in increasing its overall fuel capacity from 141,000 to 165,000 liters.

Both the A350-900 and -1000 variants have relatively similar performance levels when it comes to range, and there are few routes over 15,000 km in length where the extra 1,100 km offered by the larger A350-1000 is a deal-breaker. But how exactly do these factors come into effect regarding the two variants' sales figures?

French bee Airbus A350-941 F-HREV (3) (1)
The A350-900 has been the family's strongest performer in terms of sales. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Contrasting sales figures

When it comes to orders and deliveries, the smaller A350-900 variant is the XWB family's best performer. It has accrued 747 orders to date, of which 418 have been delivered, leaving a backlog of 329 aircraft. Meanwhile, Airbus has delivered 64 A350-1000s from 153 orders, meaning that the backlog for this type is 89 aircraft. The company has also received 22 orders for the A350F.

In summary, the A350-1000 is better for large passenger numbers, and suits certain operators and routes. Meanwhile, the -900 is a more flexible platform, with a handy ultra-long-haul option in the form of the ULR variant. With Airbus having also recently launched a freighter version, the A350 will certainly form a key part of the long-haul commercial aviation market for decades to come.

What do you make of the Airbus A350 family? Which variant(s) of the type have you flown on? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!