A350 XWB receives strong endorsement from customers worldwide

The impressive number of orders and commitments received by Airbus during the past few weeks underscores the growing endorsement of its newest jetliner - the A350 XWB - by airlines and aircraft leasing companies around the globe.

Total bookings for the A350 XWB now stand at 254 aircraft and include 154 firm orders and 100 commitments, which have been received from customers in Africa, Asia, Europe, India, the Middle East, Russia and the United States.

At the 47th Paris Air Show alone, 141 firm orders were signed for the A350 XWB. Customers include Qatar, Aeroflot, Singapore Airlines and lessors Alafco and CIT. In addition the new A350 XWB received commitments from four additional customers: US Airways, Kingfisher, Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah, followed by a subsequent commitment from TAM.

This strong endorsement of Airbus' newest product supports President and CEO Louis Gallois' statement that "Airbus is back" as a market leader.

Designed with airlines' priorities in mind, the A350 XWB meets the multiple challenges of high fuel prices, rising expectations from passengers and increasing environmental concerns.

Available from 2013, the A350 XWB has an entirely new, uncompromised, 21st Century design with a wider and taller fuselage for extra space and enhanced passenger comfort. Three A350 XWB models are available with typical passenger capacities of 270 to 350 seats and operating ranges up to 8,300 nm./15,380 km.

The A350 XWB will be the world's most technologically advanced aircraft, setting new standards in fuel-efficiency for optimised airline efficiency, reduced operating costs and greater environmental friendliness.