A350-900_SINGAPORE_AIRLINES

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has entered into an agreement with Airbus and Boeing for the purchase of 30 A350-900s and 30 787-10Xs respectively, in deals with a combined value of more than $17bn.

The deal with Airbus also includes options for additional 20 A350-900 aircraft, which could be later converted into firm orders for larger A350-1000s.

The new A350-900s are designed for use on medium and long-haul routes, and scheduled for delivery from 2016-2017.

The agreement with Boeing for 30 787-10Xs is conditional upon Boeing’s formal launch of the stretched version of its 787 Dreamliner.

Designed for use on medium-range routes, the 787-10Xs are scheduled for delivery from 2018-2019.

The A350-900 will be powered by the Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engines, while an engine selection for the B787-10Xs has yet to be decided.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said that the aircraft orders were among the biggest in Singapore Airlines’ history.

"They demonstrate our commitment to the Singapore hub and our confidence in the future for premium full-service travel," said Phong.

"These new aircraft will provide opportunities to grow and renew our fleet and enhance our network, benefiting customers by offering more travel options and the latest in-flight cabin products."

"These new aircraft will provide opportunities to grow and renew our fleet and enhance our network."

The deal with Airbus is Singapore Airlines’ third for A350-900s, increasing the number of firm orders in place for the aircraft to 70.

Commenting on the deal, Airbus COO customers John Leahy said the latest announcement from Singapore Airlines was another endorsement for the A350 XWB.

"As we move closer to first flight, demand for the A350 XWB continues to grow, especially for the larger models," he said

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is a new mid-size long-range product line comprising three versions and it accommodates between 270 and 350 passengers in three-class layouts.

The new orders will increase the number of firm aircraft commitments Singapore Airlines has in place with Airbus and Boeing to 126.


Image: The deal with Airbus is Singapore Airlines’ third for the A350-900s. Photo: courtesy of Fixion / Airbus SAS.

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