- Delta to increase capacity, begins NY-Lagos route Dec
- NAMA' s move to complete Surface Movement Radar for Lagos, Abuja airports 'll curb airside, ground incidents, others
- African airlines demand up by 10.1% in Aug
- Four must-visit places for Nigerians in Miami via Delta’s seamless connections
- Canada to reduce study permits for Nigerians, others
China Eastern Airlines orders 20 Airbus A350 XWB
|
Endorsement pushes Airbus’ A350 XWB firm order book above 800
China Eastern Airlines has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for 20 A350-900 aircraft, making the airline the latest customer for the aircraft.
“The introduction of the latest generation A350 XWB aircraft demonstrates that the partnership between China Eastern Airlines and Airbus has embarked on a new phase.
The introduction of A350 XWB will play a very important role in promoting our operational capability, profitability and service brand on our international long haul routes and opening a new chapter in the international development of China Eastern Airlines,” said Liu Shaoyong, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines.
Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers, John Leahy said, “We are proud to welcome China Eastern Airlines, a long time and loyal Airbus partner, to become the latest airline to select the A350 XWB.”
He stated that the outstanding A350’s long haul performance, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort with its extra wide cabin and wider-seats, will allow China Eastern Airlines to achieve its ambitions to develop and efficiently expand its international route network.”
China Eastern Airlines operates one of the largest Airbus fleet in the world with nearly 300 Airbus aircraft in service, comprising A320 Family and A330 Family.
The A350 XWB is the world’s latest generation airliner and the newest member of Airbus’ modern, comfortable & efficient wide-body product family. It features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.
For passengers, the extra-wide cabin offers more personal space in all classes, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.
With this latest order, Airbus has recorded 803 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 43 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful wide-body aircraft ever. So far 20 A350 XWBs have been delivered to five customers worldwide.