French Caribbean carrier Air Caraïbes has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for three A350-1000 aircraft, and is with this purchase decision becoming the European launch customer for the largest version of the A350 XWB.

The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s network from Paris to the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique and soon to French Guyana.

“The A350 XWB will continue the track record of spectacular effi ciency and low operating costs we already experience with the A330”, said Jean-Paul Dubreuil, President of Air Caraïbes. “Aircraft commonality, which is unique to Airbus aircraft, will allow our pilots to transition efficiently to the A350 XWB. Most importantly, this aircraft assures lowest fuel burn, which perfectly matches our growth strategy,” he added.

Air Caraïbes already operates a young all Airbus long haul fleet of two A330- 200s and one A330-300, with three more aircraft of the same type (A330-300) on order. As the airline continues to add capacity on their popular long haul routes, the A350-1000 will become the backbone of the fl eet.

Air Caraïbes operates approximately 20 flights per week out of the Paris hub, serving Guadeloupe and Martinique and from there an extensive inter-Caribbean islands route network including, Santa Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Bartholomew, the Dominican Republic, as well as routes to Costa Rica and Panama.