Cathay Pacific has become the second airline to operate the Airbus A350- 1000 – the world’s latest long-range widebody aircraft.
A report from features Editor, John Newton
It’s the first of 20 A350-1000s ordered by Cathay Pacific and will join the carrier’s growing fleet of A350 XWB aircraft, which already includes 22 A350-900s.
With its long-range capability, the A350-1000 will form an important part of Cathay’s long-haul operations, with the aircraft deployed on the airline’s new non-stop route from Hong Kong to Washington DC. This represents the longest flight – approximately 17 hours – by any airline out of Hong Kong.
“The aircraft follows the successful entry of the A350-900 variant which has enabled us to expand our long-haul network at a near unprecedented rate,” said Paul Loo, Cathay Pacific’s chief customer and commercial officer. “The A350-1000 has an unsurpassed cabin environment and has extremely attractive operating economics.”
And according to Eric Schulz, Airbus chief commercial officer, the A350-1000 brings major advantages in fuel and cost efficiency along with unrivalled passenger comfort – and is “the perfect platform” for Cathay Pacific to increase capacity on some of its longest routes.
The A350-1000 is the latest member of Airbus’ widebody family. To date, 11 customers from five continents have ordered a total of 168 A 350-1000s.
A report from features Editor, John Newton
It’s the first of 20 A350-1000s ordered by Cathay Pacific and will join the carrier’s growing fleet of A350 XWB aircraft, which already includes 22 A350-900s.
With its long-range capability, the A350-1000 will form an important part of Cathay’s long-haul operations, with the aircraft deployed on the airline’s new non-stop route from Hong Kong to Washington DC. This represents the longest flight – approximately 17 hours – by any airline out of Hong Kong.
“The aircraft follows the successful entry of the A350-900 variant which has enabled us to expand our long-haul network at a near unprecedented rate,” said Paul Loo, Cathay Pacific’s chief customer and commercial officer. “The A350-1000 has an unsurpassed cabin environment and has extremely attractive operating economics.”
And according to Eric Schulz, Airbus chief commercial officer, the A350-1000 brings major advantages in fuel and cost efficiency along with unrivalled passenger comfort – and is “the perfect platform” for Cathay Pacific to increase capacity on some of its longest routes.
The A350-1000 is the latest member of Airbus’ widebody family. To date, 11 customers from five continents have ordered a total of 168 A 350-1000s.