Airbus has unveiled plans to offer its A350-900 aircraft with an increased take-off weight from 2020.

The decision will see the company offer the aircraft with a 280t maximum take-off weight (MTOW).

The company will also offer a 2% reduction in fuel burn, with 1% coming from aerodynamic improvements, reported Air Transport World.

 "We are creating a flexible aircraft, and airlines buy into flexibility."

Airbus strategy executive vice-president Kiran Rao was quoted by the publication as saying: "Airlines have pushed us in two directions on the A350. We can take a regional aeroplane and turn it into ultra-long range, and vice-versa.

"We are creating a flexible aircraft, and airlines buy into flexibility."

The newly developed aircraft are set to be powered by Rolls-Royce XWB-84 engine.

The increased take-off weight option into the standard A350-900 is expected to provide more flexibility depending on airline requirements, claimed the company.

Airbus recently developed a 278t MTOW version aircraft for the transpacific services of Philippine Airlines.

The first A350-900 for Singapore Airlines recently completed its first flight in France and is prepared to enter the final phase of production, in which further ground checks and test flights would be undertaken.