Qatar to take another five Airbus A350-1000s

Qatar Airways has elected to convert five of its Airbus A350-900s on order into the larger A350-1000 variant.

Being the launch customer for both of the A350 variants, the airline has always mentioned the possibility of converting orders to different variants based on market needs and performance.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker explained the conversion in the following statement:

“Since taking delivery of the world’s first A350-1000 in February 2018, we have been extremely pleased with the aircraft’s performance, which has prompted us to update our original order. The A350-1000 has been a welcome addition to our fleet and very well received by our passengers who enjoy the new generation aircraft’s unprecedented levels of comfort and technology.”

The agreement now takes the A350-1000 to 42 aircraft on order by the airline, which now makes it the dominant variant out of the A350-900 and A350-1000 ordered. On the Airbus side, this conversion takes the total order book for the A350-1000 to 173 aircraft.

Seating 366 seats, Airbus is counting on the A350-1000 to hold sales of the future Boeing 777x back. The company already states the aircraft is 25% more efficient than current 777-300ERs. Airbus is still refining the model and rolling out improvements across the line such as the new aerodynamic upgrades and weight reduction efforts.

Recently, Airbus mentioned the idea of an A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) to Qatar Airways as well as Qantas in order to compete with the 777-8. The aircraft would likely see additional increases in maximum takeoff weight and fuel capacity. Airbus is keeping the aircraft as a study type for now but is open for discussion with airlines.

The following infographics are from when Qatar first received their A350-1000 in February this year and outline the key features of the Qatar A350-1000.