Airbus has disclosed that its just-announced new higher-weight A350-1000 option, available immediately, allows operators to carry 5.5t more cargo or avail of 400nm (730km) in additional range.
On 13 June, FlightGlobal reported that a new higher maximum take-off weight option for the largest A350 variant – of up to 316t (696,000lb) – had been revealed by the European Aviation Safety Agency, in newly updated certification documentation, and confirmed by Airbus.
The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97-powered A350-1000 was initially approved with an MTOW of 308t. This was subsequently raised to 311t as an option.
"The 316t option is available right now," says A350 XWB marketing director Francois Obe.
He adds that the increase provides more payload or range without involving paperwork or requiring any structural changes. The extra 400nm brings the A350-1000's range to 8,400nm.
Airbus has delivered just one A350-1000 to date, to launch customer Qatar Airways. Cathay Pacific is set to become the second customer to receive the aircraft when the Hong Kong carrier's first is delivered next week.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
