Inside the Airbus A350: The Original Extra Widebody Aircraft

Inside the Airbus A350: The Original Extra Widebody Aircraft

European aerospace leader Airbus initiated the development of the long-range, twin-engine A350 widebody aircraft in 2004, aiming to compete directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. Building upon design elements from the Airbus A330, the A350 introduced several technological advancements, including composite wings, fuel-efficient engines, and innovative winglets. The program reached a significant milestone when the first prototype successfully flew on June 14, 2013, coinciding with Airbus’s 12th anniversary.

From Initial Concept to the A350 XWB

The initial market response to the A350 was tepid, prompting Airbus in 2006 to shift from an updated design to a clean-sheet approach. This strategic pivot led to the creation of the A350 XWB—standing for “Extra Wide Body”—which featured Rolls-Royce Trent XWB high-bypass turbofan engines. The aircraft achieved certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2014, followed shortly by approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Market Presence and Notable Operations

Since entering service, the A350 has become a cornerstone for long-haul carriers, operating some of the world’s most demanding routes. Singapore Airlines employs the A350-900ULR variant for its record-breaking non-stop flights to New York, while Qantas is preparing to utilize the aircraft for its ambitious ‘Project Sunrise,’ which aims to connect Sydney directly to New York and London on ultra-long-haul flights.

Qatar Airways: A Key Operator

Qatar Airways, based in Doha, was the launch customer for the A350-900, introducing the aircraft into commercial service on January 15, 2015. The airline also became the first to operate the larger A350-1000 in February 2018. According to ch-aviation data, Qatar Airways currently operates 34 A350-900s configured in a two-class layout with 36 business and 247 economy seats, alongside 24 A350-1000s, with an additional 18 on order. The A350-1000 fleet features two seating configurations: one with 46 business and 281 economy seats, totaling 327, and a higher-density version accommodating 24 business and 371 economy seats, totaling 395. Qatar Airways’ widebody fleet also includes the A330-200, A330-300, and the A380-800.

Passenger comfort is a priority for Qatar Airways on its A350 fleet, which offers amenities such as LED mood lighting, advanced HEPA air filtration, draft-free air circulation, and the acclaimed Qsuite with lie-flat beds. The aircraft’s extra-wide cabin and spacious overhead bins further enhance the onboard experience.

Industry Challenges and Competitive Dynamics

Despite the A350’s commercial success and strong market reception, marked by substantial orders from airlines such as Starlux and Riyadh Air, Airbus continues to face production challenges. CEO Guillaume Faury has acknowledged increasing difficulties in meeting production targets, reflecting broader pressures within the global aerospace supply chain.

Competition in the widebody market remains intense. Boeing is advancing its 777-9 program, which Airbus aims to counter with a stretched variant of the A350. Meanwhile, airlines like ANA are diversifying their fleets with firm orders spanning Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft, highlighting the dynamic and competitive nature of the sector.

The Future of the A350

The Airbus A350 remains a defining aircraft in the evolution of long-haul air travel, balancing efficiency, passenger comfort, and technological innovation. As airlines continue to modernize their fleets and expand ultra-long-haul operations, the A350 stands at the forefront of this transformation, navigating the challenges and competition that characterize today’s aviation industry.