Airbus Updates No.4694

 

Philippine Airlines Orders Nine Additional Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft

FARNBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM — July 21, 2026 — Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the acquisition of nine additional A350-1000 aircraft, with purchase rights for five more, reinforcing the Philippine flag carrier's commitment to long-haul growth and fleet modernization.

The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, together with Lars Wagner, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

The order will increase PAL's A350-1000 fleet and position the aircraft as the airline's flagship for long-haul operations. “The A350-1000 will continue to define the future of our international operations for many years to come,” said Lucio C. Tan III. “As the first and currently the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, Philippine Airlines has experienced firsthand the aircraft's exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort. It has expanded our reach across North America, while delivering the world-class travel experience our customers deserve.”

PAL currently operates two Airbus A350-1000 on key long-haul routes, includingnonstop flights from Manila to New York and Toronto, and seven more from the batch ordered in 2023 are expected to be delivered by 2028.

“We are proud that PAL is strongly expanding its A350-1000 flagship fleet, flying the flag of the Philippines across the world,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “This agreement marks an important milestone in deepening our partnership with Philippine Airlines. Being the long-range leader, the A350-1000 is the perfect platform for the airline to build its future long-haul network and meet continued growth, especially in competitive premium transpacific markets. We look forward to finalizing this new order soon.”

Configured in a three-class layout, PAL's A350-1000 offers a premium onboard experience featuring Business Class suites with privacy doors, a dedicated Premium Economy cabin, and an enhanced Economy Class product, complemented by the latest inflight entertainment and connectivity systems.

The aircraft also supports PAL's sustainability objectives. The A350-1000 incorporates advanced composite materials and next-generation aerodynamics, delivering significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft.

The purchase rights for five additional aircraft provide PAL with flexibility to support future fleet requirements and market opportunities.

PAL expects this second batch of Airbus A350-1000 orders to be delivered from 2034 to 2036.

Airbus Updates No.4692

 

Riyadh Air firms up order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 20 July 2026 – Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has firmed up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total firm commitment for the type to 31 aircraft.

The agreement forms part of the airline's original commitment for up to 50 A350-1000s announced in 2025. Riyadh Air will become the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the A350-1000 and will use the aircraft to support its international growth ambitions and the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives.

"The firm-up of these additional aircraft reflects Riyadh Air's continued confidence in its growth trajectory and in the future of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector," said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air. "Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience."

"We are proud to deepen our partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “This additional A350-1000 commitment reflects the airline's confidence in the aircraft's exceptional efficiency, range and passenger appeal. As Riyadh Air advances its ambitious growth plans, the A350-1000 will play an important role in supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and helping position the Kingdom as a leading international aviation hub."

The A350 is the world’s most modern widebody aircraft, designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. The aircraft includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its latest generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A350’s unique Airspace cabin offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience.

At the end of June 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,595 firm orders from 68 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Airbus Updates No.4567

 

Etihad Airways grows its Airbus widebody fleet becoming a new A330neo customer, adding A350-1000 and A350F aircraft

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 November 2025 – Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion of its Airbus widebody fleet by placing a firm order for six A330-900s, becoming the latest A330neo customer. In addition, the airline has disclosed an order for seven additional A350-1000s (increasing its total for the type to 27) and three A350F (bringing the airline’s A350F commitment to 10 aircraft).

The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow, where Etihad Airways also announced the commitment of nine A330-900s on lease from Avolon. 

“These aircraft strengthen our operations across medium-haul, long-haul, and cargo. The A330neo brings the right combination of efficiency and flexibility for our regional and mid-range growth, while the A350-1000 continues to deliver exceptional performance on our long-haul network. The A350F freighter adds significant capability to our cargo division as global demand continues to expand. Our partnership with Airbus continues to play an important role in shaping our future fleet, and we are proud to be building one of the world’s most modern and efficient widebody operations." said Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO.

“Etihad Airways’ continued investment in our latest-generation widebody aircraft is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the shared vision we have for the future of aviation in the UAE and beyond,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “The combination of the A350 Family and A330neo will deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations, supporting its future development.” 

​The A350 is the world’s most modern widebody aircraft, designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. The aircraft includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its latest generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. 

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027. Currently, the assembly of test aircraft in Toulouse is underway.  

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles / 15,000 kilometers non-stop and reduces fuel burn, CO2 emissions and operating cost by 25% compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique flying experience.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo and the A350 Family are able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030. At the end of October 2025, the A350 Family had won over 1,400 orders from 64 customers and the A330 Family had won over 1,900 orders from more than 130 customers worldwide. 

Airbus Updates No.4423

 

Lufthansa orders five additional Airbus A350-1000s

Lufthansa Group has placed an incremental order for five A350-1000s directly from Airbus, increasing its backlog for the type to 15 units.

The five additional aircraft will be delivered between 2028 and 2030. As is customary for the holding company, it did not reveal which of its airlines will operate the aircraft.

The A350-1000s will start delivering to the group in 2026. The first ten units were ordered in 2023.

The holding also has an order for sixty A350-900s, of which 28 are already in service with Lufthansa. Out of the remaining 32 units on order, ten will be allocated to Swiss. Edelweiss Air will take four units ordered directly by the group plus a further two ex-Thai Airways International units from Park Aerospace Holdings/Avolon.

Airbus Updates No.4421

China Airlines orders 10 Airbus A350-1000's

On 19 December 2024, China Airlines announced orders for a total of 24 new widebody aircraft. The airline from Taiwain is ordering from both Airbus and Boeing and has placed orders for ten A350-1000s, ten B777-9s, and four B777-8Fs. Delivery of the new aircraft is set to start in 2029.

Currently, China Airlines' fleet is made-up of fourteen A321neos, sixteen A330-300s, fifteen A350-900s, ten B737-800s, eight B747-400Fs, nine B777Fs, and ten B777-300ERs.

The airline also holds open orders for eleven A321neos and 24 B787-9s.

Illustration by China Airlines.

Airbus Updates No.4246

 

 

Korean Air selects Airbus A350

More happy Airbus A350-news on 21 March 2024 as Korean Air announced it has selected the aircraft as a replacement for older widebodies in the fleet. In total, the airline is set to order six A350-900s and 27 A350-1000s. No delivery timeline has been communicated by the airline or manufacturer.

The A350 will be a new addition to the fleet, although Korean Air is currently in the process of merging with Asiana, which already operates fifteen A350-900s and has fifteen more on order.

Korean Air's-fleet currently consists of ten A220-300s, nine A321neos, five A330-200s, 20 A330-300s, ten A380s, one B737-700BBJ, two B737-800s, nine B737-900s, six B737-900ERs, five B737-8s, four B747-400Fs, nine B747-8s, seven B747-8Fs, eight B777-200ERs, four B777-300s, 25 B777-300ERs, twelve B777Fs, one B787-8BBJ, and thirteen B787-9s.

Next to its new A350-order, the airline has open orders with Airbus for 41 A321neos and with Boeing for 23 B737-8s, seven B787-9s, and ten B787-10s.

Airbus Updates No.4200

 

Delta orders 20 Airbus A350-1000's plus options on 20 more

On 12 January 2024, Delta announced it has selected the Airbus A350-1000 to expand its widebody-fleet with. The order was already rumoured since before the Paris Air Show in 2023 but has now been made official.

In total, Delta Air Lines has ordered 20 A350-1000s which will be delivered between 2026 and 2028. The deal also includes options for 20 more aircraft.

With this latest order, the airline now has open orders for 36 A350s, whilst currently operating 28 A350-900s.

Airbus Updates No.4144

 

EVA Air places orders with Airbus

On 7 November 2023, Airbus announced EVA Air has selected Airbus to renew part of its fleet. In total, the Taiwanese carrier will be ordering 33 new Airbuses, consisting of eighteen A350-1000s and fifteen A321neos. No delivery timeline has been communicated yet.

EVA Air will use the new A350 and A321neos to replace older aircraft in the fleet, mainly the A321 and B777-300ER. Currently, EVA Air's fleet consists of nineteen A321s, three A330-200s, nine A330-300s, 34 B777-300ERs, eight B777Fs, four B787-9s, and nine B787-10s.

In March this year, the airline announced an order with Boeing for five additional B787-9s. It now has thirteen open orders for the Dreamliner, nine B787-9s and four B787-10s

Airbus Updates No.3942

 

Lufthansa Group orders 22 latest-generation long-haul aircraft – total list price of 7.5 billion US dollars

• Orders placed for ten Airbus A350-1000s, five Airbus A350-900s and seven Boeing 787-9s
• Fleet modernization further accelerated / substantial contribution to achieving 2030 carbon emission goals
• Lufthansa Group and Airbus strengthen cooperation on sustainability and future technologies
• Lufthansa Group to take delivery of 108 latest-generation long-haul aircraft over the next few years
• Six older aircraft types to be withdrawn in the medium term including the four-engined Boeing 747-400, Airbus A340-600 and Airbus A340-300

• The Lufthansa Group is purchasing more state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft. The Group Executive Board has resolved to order

  • ten Airbus A350-1000 passenger aircraft
  • five Airbus A350-900 passenger aircraft
  • seven Boeing 787-9 ‘Dreamliner’ passenger aircraft

  The orders were approved today by the Supervisory Board of parent company Deutsche Lufthansa AG. The aircraft concerned will be delivered to the Lufthansa Group from the mid-2020s onwards. Based on list prices, the order is worth a total of about 7.5 billion US dollars and is in line with Group’s mid-term financial planning.

  The Lufthansa Group is also in advanced negotiations to acquire further long-haul aircraft which could be made available at shorter notice.

  Carsten Spohr, Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says: “With our purchase of 22 further Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s, we have secured the delivery of more than 50 latest-generation long-haul aircraft for the member airlines of the Lufthansa Group since the pandemic began. These aircraft will be equipped with our new long-haul cabins, including the latest-generation seats in all classes of travel. And the combination of our superb employees on the ground and on board, these highly advanced aircraft and our latest seating product on board will position our airlines well to the fore again within the premium segment. These new aircraft will also play a decisive role in helping us achieve our carbon emission reduction goals by 2030 as fuel-efficient aircraft which incorporate the latest manufacturing technology are by far the greatest lever for providing more climate protection within the aviation sector.”

  With today’s orders included, the Lufthansa Group will take delivery of 108 state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A350-1000, the Airbus A350-900, the Boeing 787-9 and the Boeing 777-9 over the next few years. In doing so, the Group will operate the quietest, most profitable and most economical long-haul aircraft that are currently in service. On average the new aircraft consume just 2.5 liters of fuel per passenger per 100 kilometers – some 30 percent less than their predecessor aircraft types.

  The new long-haul aircraft will also replace older aircraft types. In the medium-term future, six such subfleets will be taken out of service: the four-engined Boeing 747-400s, Airbus A340-600s and Airbus A340-300s and the two-engined Boeing 777-200s, Boeing 767-300s and Airbus A330-200s. This will reduce the quadjet contingent within the Lufthansa Group fleet to under 15 percent: prior to the pandemic, quadjets made up some 50 percent of the groupwide aircraft fleet.

  In addition to the agreement on the purchase of the new aircraft, Airbus and Lufthansa have also signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ to further strengthen their cooperation in the field of sustainability and future technologies. This includes the intensified use of sustainable aviation fuels, the further optimization of operations through a more efficient flight management and exploration into the use of hydrogen.

  In total, and including the advanced short- and medium-haul aircraft of the Airbus A320neo family, the Lufthansa Group currently has over 200 firm orders for new aircraft of the latest generation which will be delivered over the next few years.

The Airbus A350-1000

• The Airbus A350-1000 will be a new addition to the Lufthansa Group fleet. The aircraft is 73.8 meters long and offers some 15 percent more capacity than the Airbus A350-900. The ten A350-1000s on order should primarily be deployed in premium-heavy markets. Therefore all these aircraft will be equipped with a First Class cabin.

The Airbus A350-900

• Lufthansa already operates 21 of these aircraft with sizeable success. With the five aircraft ordered today, the Lufthansa Group will now take delivery of 33 further transports of this long-haul aircraft type.

Airbus Updates No.1884

STARLUX AIRLINES ORDERS AIRBUS A350XWB AIRCRAFTs

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has selected the all-new A350 XWB for its future long haul fleet, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of 17 aircraft, comprising 12 A350-1000s and five A350-900s. The agreement was announced at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK by Chang Kuo-wei, founder and Chairman of STARLUX Airlines and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The news follows a decision by the airline earlier this year also to select Airbus for its regional single aisle fleet, with a plan to finalise leases for 10 A321neo aircraft from third party lessors by the end of the year.

STARLUX Airlines is a new full-service airline based in Taipei and founded by Taiwanese aviation veteran Chang Kuo-wei, former Chairman of EVA Air. The carrier will develop a network spanning destinations across Asia and long haul services to North America. The carrier will launch regional operations in early 2020, followed by long haul services early in 2022.

The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-size wide-body long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel, featuring the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.

The Airspace cabin which, on top of the aircraft spaciousness and quietness, provides better ambience, design and services, contributing to superior levels of comfort and well-being, and setting new standards in terms of flight experience for passengers in all classes.