Airbus launched an extended range version of its new generation A350-900 airliner which entered service with Qatar Airways in Jan 2015, ...
Airbus launched an extended range version of its new generation A350-900 airliner which entered service with Qatar Airways in Jan 2015, designated A350-900ULR (Ultra-Long Range).
The aircraft will be capable of flying the 8,700 nautical miles New York-Singapore route, which have an expected flight time of up to 19 hours.
The fuel capacity will be increased from 141,000 to 165,000 liters by adding a higher capacity fuel system within the existing fuel tanks, an increase of 17 percent compared to the -900 version.
The extended range will be achieved without installation of additional fuel tanks, enabling operators to reconfigure easily to the standard A350-900 long haul specification.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be the launch customer for the type, which is optimized for non-stop flights to the US, with first delivery scheduled to take place in 2018.
SIA previously operated non-stop services from its home base to New York and Los Angeles between 2004 and 2013 using the four engined Airbus A340-500.
Under an amendment to the carrier’s existing order for 63 A350-900s, seven of the aircraft will now be the ULR variants. In addition, the carrier has placed an additional order for four A350-900s, taking its total firm orders for the A350 XWB Family to 67.
The first SIA A350 will be delivered in January 2016. Singapore Airlines have announced that Amsterdam will be the inaugural destination for its new-generation Airbus A350 fleet, with services expected to begin by April 2016.
Prior to the introduction of Amsterdam services, the aircraft will be operated on select Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur flights on a temporary basis, for crew training purposes.
Singapore Airlines expects to take delivery of 11 A350-900s in the aircraft’s first year of operation.
