Industry Ultra Long Range A350 completes first flight

According to a press release, the latest variant of the A350 Family will be able to fly further than any other commercial airliner and will enter service with launch operator Singapore Airlines in second half 2018.

The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, has embarked on a short flight test programme to certify the changes over the standard A350-900 that will extend its range capability to 9,700 nautical miles (around 17900 kilometers).  These changes include a modified fuel system that increases fuel carrying capacity by 24,000 litres, without the need for additional fuel tanks. The test phase will also measure enhanced performance from aerodynamic improvements, including extended winglets. 

With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 280 tonnes, the Ultra Long Range A350 XWB is capable of flying over 20 hours non-stop.

Singapore Airlines, which has ordered a total of 67 Airbus A350-900, will be the launch customer of the Ultra Long Range model. The carrier is waiting for seven Ultra Long Haul A350, which it will use on nonstop flights between Singapore and the US, including the world’s longest commercial service between Singapore and New York.

At the end of March 2018, Airbus has recorded a total of 854 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide.