An ultra long-range version of the Airbus 350 WXB has successfully completed its first flight, with the aircraft due to enter service with Singapore Airlines in the second half of this year.
The A350 WXB is powered by fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent WXB engines. It is a version of the A350-900 that features a modified fuel system that increases fuel carrying capacity to 24,000 litres in a single tank. The aircraft’s body also features an aerodynamic design and carbon fibre fuselage and wings, which result in a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions.
Airbus says the extra fuel will allow the aircraft to fly for more than 20 hours non-stop.
The firm has recorded 854 firm orders for the aircraft from 45 customers worldwide.
Singapore Airlines has ordered seven of the ultra long-range A350-900s, which the carrier says it will use on direct flights between Singapore and the US, including the world’s longest commercial non-stop service to New York.
airbus.com; singaporeair.com