PARIS, June 20 (Xinhua) -- United Airlines announced on Thursday an order for 10 more Airbus A350-1000 planes worth of 3.3 billion U.S. dollars and upgraded its existing order for 25 A350-900s to A350-1000s, the airlines said in a statement.
"This is a modern, fuel-efficient and advanced-technology aircraft that our customers and co-workers will enjoy flying. It will be a great addition to our fleet, and will allow us to meet demand on larger, long-haul markets in our world-leading network,"said Jeff Smisek, United's chairman, president and CEO.
The A350-1000 is the largest version of the A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) family and typically seats 350 passengers in a three-class layout. The aircraft is capable of flying 8,400 nautical miles non-stop and will be operated by United on higher density routes, including non-stop flights between the United States and the Asia-Pacific region.
As a lighter and more fuel efficient new model, A350-1000 will consume approximately 20 percent less fuel per seat than the large widebody aircraft it will replace.
As an all-new mid-size long range product launched by Airbus in 2013, A350 XWB successfully took its first test flight in Toulouse, southern France, just two days ahead of the world largest air show opened. The new plane attracted widely potential customers in need of more cost-saving, long-haul, wide-body airliners.
"Less than a week after the success of the A350 XWB's first flight, we see that demand for the new aircraft continues to grow, especially for the larger -1000 model. Airbus is proud to have United Airlines on board the exciting A350 program in such a significant way," said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and CEO.
With a total order of 35 new aircraft, the American carrier looks to use the new jets as a replacement to serve long-range, high-demand markets. It expects delivery starting in 2018.
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