International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) and Airbus have concluded a revision of ILFC’s original 16 A350 order to 20 A350 XWBs. The revised agreement by the world’s largest commercial leasing company by fleet value, and a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc, is for both the -800 and the -900 version.
ILFC has the flexibility to also select the -1000 version upon request. This transaction brings total orders for the A350 XWB to 196 from nine customers.
„Airbus is now offering an outstanding product which satisfies the market and our requirements,“ says ILFC Chairman and CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy.
„ILFC’s order confirms that the A350 XWB is a very attractive asset for a leading lessor. It is yet another strong endorsement by the financial community for our all new product,“ Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders said. „The all-new A350 XWB will bring unrivalled operating performance and economics, whilst passengers will enjoy more comfort in a highly advanced and more spacious cabin. Being extremely fuel efficient and quiet, it will also set new standards in terms of environmental friendliness.“
With now over 600 Airbus aircraft ordered, ILFC is Airbus‘ largest single customer worldwide. The leasing company was a launch customer for Airbus‘ A319, A321, A330-200, A330-300, A340-600 and A380, all market leaders in their categories, and has ordered virtually every type of Airbus aircraft.
The A350 XWB (Xtra-Wide-Body) will be the world’s most technically advanced aircraft when it enters service in 2013. Building on A380 technologies and going beyond, it is designed to increase productivity and offer unparalleled levels of passenger comfort in its class while further reducing fuel burn and emissions, and being even quieter. The A350 XWB will offer the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile costs of any aircraft in that category. Addressing environmental concerns and cost-effectiveness, the A350 XWB will be one of the most fuel-efficient and „green“ aircraft ever.
Powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB will be available in three basic passenger versions with up to 8,300 nm/ 15,400 km in range, the A350-800 which can fly 270 passengers in a spacious three-class configuration, the A350-900 seating 314, and the A350-1000 which is designed for 350 passengers.
Photo: Airbus S.A.S. 2006 ©
