Flying The A350: Airbus’s Most Technologically Advanced Airliner
Passenger comfort, operating economics and systems safety are all part of the appeal of Airbus’s new big twin.
Airbus and Boeing are betting their futures on a new generation of long-range widebody twins with better fuel efficiency, lower operating costs and reduced noise and emissions compared with today’s two- and four-engine widebodies.
The A350 is Airbus’s largest, longest-range, highest-flying and fastest-cruising twin. The A350-900, the first version now entering service with Qatar Airways and other carriers, is a larger aircraft than Boeing’s 787. With nine-abreast economy seating, the A350 can fly 315 passengers 7,750 nm at Mach 0.85. The 787-9 seats 280 and has a maximum range of 8,300 nm.
Having flown the 787 in 2012 (AW&ST Dec. 10, 2012, p. 46), Aviation Week & Space Technology has now had the opportunity to fly the A350. Several differences are apparent, between the new Airbus and Boeing widebody twins and between the A350 and earlier A330.
READ MORE : http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/flying-a350-airbus-s-most-technologically-advanced-airliner