Thai Airways International could resume direct flights to North America - likely Seattle and Vancouver - following the arrival of its new fleet of A350-900 and B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The Bangkok Post reported the national carrier’s president, Charamporn Jotikasthira, as saying recently that the new long-haul aircraft would enable it to relaunch flights to to North America. But the destination focus is likely shift from major cities like Los Angeles and New York to those with a shorter … [Read more...] about New Thai A350s/B787s could see THAI return to North America
A350-900
Cathay Pacific Airways becomes new operator of the A350 XWB
Cathay Pacific Airways has become the sixth airline to operate the world’s latest and most efficient twin engine widebody aircraft. The airline’s first A350-900 featuring the carrier’s new livery has arrived at its home base in Hong Kong. After an initial period flying on regional routes, Cathay Pacific’s A350-900 will begin long haul operations later this year. Altogether Cathay Pacific has 48 A350 XWB on order, including 22 A350-900s and 26 of the larger A350-1000s. The A350 XWB … [Read more...] about Cathay Pacific Airways becomes new operator of the A350 XWB
Thai Airways to stick to delivery plan for 12 new A350s
Thai Airways International (THAI) has opted not to postpone the delivery of a fleet of 12 A350-900s, after the military government’s State Enterprises Policy Commission had earlier advocated THAI delay the new aircraft over the next three years to relieve financial burdens weighing on the company's turnaround plan. Airline sources told The Bangkok Post that as per its original agreement with Airbus, THAI will receive its first two A350s over the coming months to be followed by five in 2017 … [Read more...] about Thai Airways to stick to delivery plan for 12 new A350s
FAA approves A350 XWB for ‘beyond 180 minutes’ ETOPS
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the A350-900 for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin engine aircraft Operations) ‘beyond 180 minutes’ diversion time. This approval means that when the first FAA-affiliated operators start to take delivery of their A350s in 2017 they will be able to serve new direct non-limiting routings, compared with a standard 180 minute ETOPS diversion time. It also means that now the A350 XWB is approved by both EASA and the FAA for beyond 180 minutes … [Read more...] about FAA approves A350 XWB for ‘beyond 180 minutes’ ETOPS
Philippine Airlines finalises order for six A350-900 XWBs
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalised a purchase agreement with Airbus covering the firm order of six A350-900s, plus six options. The contract firms up a Memorandum of Understanding announced earlier this year during the Singapore Airshow. The A350 XWB will become the flagship of PAL’s future long haul fleet and will be operated on non-stop flights to the US, as well as on services to new destinations in Europe. "We are pleased to finalise this important order and are now defining the … [Read more...] about Philippine Airlines finalises order for six A350-900 XWBs
China Eastern Airlines orders 20 A350 XWB
China Eastern Airlines has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for 20 A350-900 aircraft, making the airline the latest customer for the aircraft. “The introduction of A350 XWB will play a very important role in promoting our operational capability, profitability and service brand on our international long haul routes and opening a new chapter in the international development of China Eastern Airlines,” said Liu Shaoyong, chairman of China Eastern Airlines. China Eastern Airlines … [Read more...] about China Eastern Airlines orders 20 A350 XWB
