Faa

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Airbus A350-900 aircraft for extended-range twin engine aircraft operations (ETOPS) ‘beyond 180min’ diversion time.

With the approval, the first FAA-affiliated operators will be able to serve new direct non-limiting routings when they receive their A350s next year, compared with a standard 180min ETOPS diversion time.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also granted A350 XWB for beyond 180min ETOPS with the recent approval.

The FAA approval also includes provisions for up to ETOPS 300min, which is equivalent to a maximum diversion distance of 2,000nm at one-engine-inoperative speed under standard atmospheric conditions.

"With the approval, the first FAA-affiliated operators will be able to serve new direct non-limiting routings when they receive their A350s next year."

Later this year, Airbus is expecting to receive FAA approval for a provision of ETOPS 370min, which will extend the maximum diversion distance up to 2,500nm.

The ETOPS 370min will be received once the A350 XWB collects extra in-service experience.

The ETOPS 300min option is expected to provide additional transoceanic flights across the North and Mid-Pacific.

Operators flying on existing routes and with up to 180min diversion time will also be able to navigate more fuel-efficient flight paths with lower CO2 emissions.

It will also provide the operators entry to additional en-route diversion airports if required.

The A350 XWB, which is Airbus’ mid-size long range product line and a member of its wide-body family, entered into service last year.

As of March, the A350 XWB had secured 777 orders from 41 customers worldwide.

Image: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also granted A350 XWB for beyond 180min ETOPS. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.