Airbus CEO hints at stretched A350 variant to rival Boeing 777X
Airbus CEO opens door to a future stretched A350 to compete with the Boeing 777X, though he notes it is not an immediate priority amid other ongoing projects.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has hinted at the potential development of a stretched version of the A350, signaling a possible evolution in the European manufacturer’s widebody program—a term referring to twin-aisle aircraft typically used for long-haul routes. In an interview with Aviation Week, Faury said the idea is aimed at addressing shifting dynamics in the long-range market.
He noted that extending the fuselage of the A350-1000 is a future possibility to directly compete with Boeing’s 777X, particularly the 777-9 model. Faury described the concept as a “natural evolution of the product line to continue increasing capacity,” bringing the A350 closer to the seat count offered by its American rival.
Currently, the A350-1000 enjoys a first-mover advantage, already certified and flying commercially, while the 777X is still pending certification. This gives Airbus flexibility to explore strategies to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
An idea with history—and real-world limits
The concept of a stretched A350, informally dubbed the A350-2000 or “A350 Stretch”, has circulated within the industry since the 2010s. However, Faury tempered expectations, noting several constraints.
He emphasized that Airbus “does not feel the need to add more product diversity when production ramp-up capabilities are limited,” calling such a move potentially counterproductive. This underscores the manufacturer’s current focus on resolving supply chain bottlenecks affecting its existing aircraft lines.
Another internal concern is the risk of cannibalizing sales of the successful A350-1000, which remains a popular and well-selling model.
In summary
• Is a new stretched A350 confirmed? No. For now, it's just a possibility mentioned by Airbus's CEO. The company views it as a long-term option, with no defined timeline for development or launch.
• Why is Airbus considering it? To compete with Boeing’s 777-9 by offering a similar seating capacity and to fill the gap left by retiring four-engine aircraft like the A380.
• What’s preventing Airbus from developing it now? Ongoing supply chain issues are limiting production capacity. Airbus is also prioritizing other projects, such as the A350F and the A320 successor, and is cautious of undermining the A350-1000’s market success.
Current priorities for the A350 program
Despite interest in a stretched version, Airbus is currently focused on more concrete developments for the A350 family. First is the A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) variant for Qantas, set to operate the airline’s “Project Sunrise” flights—nonstop journeys from Sydney to London and New York, exceeding 20 hours in duration.
In parallel, Airbus is progressing with the A350F freighter, aimed at challenging Boeing’s dominance in the air cargo sector. The aircraft has already secured multiple orders and, despite some delays, represents a strategic investment for the European manufacturer.
Meanwhile, Faury reaffirmed that the company’s top priority is developing the successor to the A320 family. Leadership changes are already underway, and Airbus expects to select a new engine by 2027.
AUTOR
Desde 2017, haciendo periodismo aeronáutico. Award-Winning Journalist: Ganador de la edición 2023 de "Periodismo de Altura", otorgado por ALTA. Facts don't care about your feelings.
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