UAE travel: What is so special about the Airbus A350, and why are airlines clamouring for it?

The Airbus A350: A Coveted Asset in Global Aviation

The Airbus A350 has swiftly emerged as one of the most sought-after aircraft in the global aviation industry, with airlines—particularly in the UAE—keen to incorporate it into their fleets. As of May 2025, Airbus has recorded 1,391 firm orders from 60 customers, with 655 aircraft delivered and a substantial backlog of 736 jets. Currently, 654 A350s are actively operating across 38 airlines, highlighting its widespread adoption and significance in modern air travel.

Regional and International Demand

In the Middle East, the A350 plays a pivotal role in the fleet expansion strategies of leading carriers. Emirates and Etihad Airways have both made significant commitments to the aircraft, integrating it as a cornerstone of their growth plans. Other prominent regional airlines such as Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, EgyptAir, and Turkish Airlines have also placed considerable orders. Beyond the Middle East, the A350 enjoys strong demand from major global carriers including Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, and Asiana Airlines, reflecting its broad appeal across diverse markets.

Milestones and Leading Operators

The A350-900 variant entered commercial service with Qatar Airways on January 15, 2015, marking a significant milestone for Airbus. This was followed by the introduction of the larger A350-1000 in February 2018, also with Qatar Airways. Singapore Airlines currently stands as the largest operator, with a fleet of 65 A350s, while Turkish Airlines holds the largest order book, having placed orders for 110 aircraft. These figures underscore the aircraft’s growing prominence among top-tier airlines.

Technical Excellence and Operational Advantages

Efficiency, Capacity, and Range

A key driver behind the A350’s popularity is its exceptional fuel efficiency, achieved through advanced engineering and the extensive use of lightweight materials. The aircraft’s airframe is composed of over 70 percent composites and titanium, paired with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, resulting in significant reductions in fuel consumption and operating costs. This efficiency enables airlines to deploy the A350 across a wide spectrum of routes, from short regional flights to ultra-long-haul journeys extending up to 9,700 nautical miles. The aircraft typically accommodates between 300 and 410 passengers in a three-class configuration, with a maximum capacity of up to 480 seats in a high-density layout.

Design and Development

Conceived as a response to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, the A350 family comprises two primary variants: the A350-900 and the longer A350-1000. An initially planned A350-800 variant was ultimately cancelled. The design philosophy behind the A350 prioritizes long-haul performance, passenger comfort, and operational flexibility, positioning it as a direct competitor to Boeing’s 777, 777X, and 787 models.

Safety Record and Industry Impact

The A350 has established a robust safety record, having completed over 1.58 million flights on more than 1,240 routes and carrying upwards of 400 million passengers. Its operational history includes only a single airport-related hull loss, underscoring its reliability. The aircraft has effectively supplanted the older A340 in many airline fleets and now serves as a foundational element of long-haul operations worldwide.

Challenges and Industry Dynamics

Supply Constraints and Production Challenges

Despite its strong demand, airlines face difficulties in acquiring the A350 due to persistent supply chain disruptions that have constrained production rates. Airbus continues efforts to ramp up output, but delays remain a challenge, intensifying competition among carriers eager to modernize their fleets and expand their route networks.

Engineering Disputes and Resolution

The A350’s advanced carbon composite fuselage was the subject of a notable dispute between Airbus and Qatar Airways concerning surface degradation issues. This disagreement led to the temporary grounding of aircraft and legal proceedings. However, the matter was amicably resolved in February 2023, allowing both parties to move forward with reinforced safety protocols and continued collaboration.

The Airbus A350’s combination of fuel efficiency, innovative materials, and extended range capabilities has solidified its status as a preferred choice for airlines worldwide. Despite ongoing supply challenges, its appeal remains undiminished as carriers seek to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.