"Business is all about timing and long-term strategy," said Tony Fernandes, Director and Founder of AirAsia X. "At AirAsia we have always planned for the long-term. By buying the A350 XWB the strategy of AirAsia and AirAsia X is now fixed all the way to 2020. The vision of creating the world's first long haul and short haul low-cost airline is complete and we are all very excited."
"We selected the A350 XWB for the step-change it offers in terms of operating economics and its exceptional passenger appeal," said Azran Osman Rani, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia X. "With the A350 XWB in our fleet we will be able to set new standards in the low cost long haul market, making it possible for more people to fly further in comfort at ever more affordable prices."
"We are extremely pleased to add AirAsia X to the customer base of the A350 XWB," said Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. "Offering a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn, the all-new A350 XWB will shape new levels of efficiency in the mid-size widebody category and will enable AirAsia X to benefit from the lowest possible operating costs per seat of any aircraft in its class."
The A350 XWB Family is Airbus' response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions.
The A350 has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. Powered by two new generation Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental concerns.
Firm orders for the A350 XWB now stand at 493 from 31 customers worldwide.
Airbus press release 16 June 2009