OREANDA-NEWS. Airbus’ market-leading widebody jetliners are taking centre stage during the Dubai Airshow as this complete family continues to shape the future of air travel through its shared values of unmatched operational efficiency and superior passenger comfort. 

Comprising the A330 Family – including the A330neo (new engine option) – the all-new A350 XWB product line, and Airbus’ 21st century flagship A380, the company’s widebody product line is the most modern, efficient and comfortable series of widebody aircraft available today.

This is particularly significant for fast-growing and dynamic regions like the Middle East – which uniquely has more widebodies in operation than single-aisle aircraft – where Airbus jetliners can create new and better ways to fly and enable growth. 

Spreading the Family values to the A330neo

As one common Airbus family, the complete widebody product line is coming even closer together with the A330neo’s fresh new look – which debuted this week in conjunction with the Dubai Airshow. 

Styled after the A350 XWB’s distinctive appearance, the A330neo “cockpit mask” underscores the NEO’s new-generation value: delivering the superior operating economics and comfort that is the hallmark of Airbus’ widebody aircraft. 

The mask also reflects the progress since launching the NEO –  which has amassed 145 orders from 11 customers to date – and the NEO’s important role alongside the A350 XWB. As sisterships, the A330neo and A350 XWB are true partners for the future – with complementary range and payload capabilities that will allow airlines to utilise these modern jetliners side-by-side in their fleets, while benefitting from the full advantages of the Airbus “Family” concept. 

A350 XWB: Setting new standards

The all-new A350 XWB jetliner also is in the Dubai Airshow’s spotlight, with Airbus’ MSN002 developmental jetliner on display and performing in the flying presentations. MSN002 is joined on the grounds of Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central by an in-service Qatar Airways A350 XWB, which is being showcased by this global launch customer for the jetliner type. 

Now flying in the fleets of three airlines (Qatar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and Finnair), with Airbus having delivered 10 of these aircraft, the A350 XWB is setting new standards in terms of comfort and efficiency – and demonstrating that it’s the Xtra that makes the difference. 

The A350 XWB brings together the latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies to offer a 25 percent step change in fuel efficiency compared to its current long-range competitors that have more-traditional aluminium airframes. In total, Airbus has booked 787 orders for A350 XWBs from 41 customers – a firm endorsement of this highly-efficient aircraft.

Capturing growth in the Middle East region with the A380

The A380 jetliner has also established itself as a star in the Middle East – where 78 of these aircraft currently are in operation for three world-class airlines. As a result of the area’s expanding air traffic and prime geographic location, operators from the region have embraced the A380, making up a significant portion of its 317 firm orders from 18 customers. 

A true leader, the A380 is fulfilling an important role in the Middle East, offering the most profitable solution to ensure sustainable growth by providing the capacity to capture traffic and alleviate congestion.   

In addition, the A380’s unmatched spaciousness allows the aircraft to offer a superior 21st century passenger experience to travellers in all classes – including the widest seats in economy classAirbus standard of 18-inch wide seats for those in economy. For airlines, the A380 cabin maximises profitability – with the aircraft’s optimised, segmented interior layout boosting profit by up to 65 percent each flight.

The iconic double-decker jetliner attracts passengers like no other aircraft.  Travelers love its quietness, comfort and space and more than 65% make an extra effort to fly on the A380.

Airbus’ complete widebody family – spanning markets from 250 seats to more than 500 – is tailored for a full range of operational requirements, from high-yield flights between the world’s biggest aviation hubs to newer services linking smaller, distant airports, as well as for regional operations on high-traffic routes.