Next-gen Airbus A350-1000 jets into Sydney for two-day visit
By David Flynn, February 1 2018
It's the largest twin-engine jet that Airbus has ever built – a sleek streamlined sylph which the company describes as "shaping the future of air travel' – and it'll be paying a brief social call on Sydney this month.
The Airbus A350-1000 will visit Sydney Airport from Saturday February 10 to Monday February 12 as part of a whistle-stop world tour, marking off 12 cities in three weeks as it clocks up a 55,500km run.
With its tail decorated in distinctive 'carbon fibre' livery to reflect the jet's construction from advanced composite materials – over half the jet, including the fuselage, is cast from carbon-fibre reinforced polymer – this is one of three A350-1000 test aircraft.
The test jet has been fitted out with business class and economy seats, although there's sadly nothing futuristic about the off-the-rack designs from seatmakers Solstys and Zodiac – in this department, Airbus is relying on its customers to deliver the wow.
However, the cabin itself showcases the company's flowing Airspace design which is roomier, offers more overhead luggage space and customisable LED lighting schemes, as well as noise-dampening bulkhead walls between the cabins and the galley kitchens.
The A350-1000 is slightly longer than the popular A350-900, which Airbus says enables it to carry almost 20% more passengers in an ambit two-class layout – or 12% in a three-class model – with an almost identical range to its smaller sibling.
The first commercial A350-1000 will be handed over to global launch customer Qatar Airways later this month, followed by Cathay Pacific and Etihad.
The Airbus 350-1000 will arrive from Bangkok into Sydney Airport at 9pm on Saturday February 10 and depart for Auckland at 4pm on Monday February 12. There'll be no public access to the A350-1000 while it's on the ground at Sydney.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
I have a real soft spot for the A350 - LOVE flying on it
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Mar 2015
Total posts 231
The A350 is the best aeroplane I have ever been a passenger in and I have been in a hell of a lot. The A380 is a close second!
29 Aug 2017
Total posts 18
The A350 is my favourite jet to fly long haul to Europe....
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Jun 2015
Total posts 105
Will AUSBT get a chance to take a peak while they are on the ground in SYD?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Jan 2016
Total posts 17
Ditto - A350 my favourite followed by A380. A350 any day over B787 - so much quieter. B787 might be good for airlines, but A350 better for passengers. If it ticks all the boxes I hope QF choose A350 over B777 for Project Sunrise.
03 May 2013
Total posts 680
Airbus are the manufacturer for long and ultra-long haul. Boeing just doesn't cut it. Its a distinct second place here. The 787 with GE engines is the only really acceptable Boring here as its slightly more quiet. It still, however has nothing on the A380/A350 for this segment.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Oct 2012
Total posts 134
I agree also. Great aircraft .
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 Jul 2018
Total posts 1
I just returned from Munich yesterday and had the opportunity to fly on SQ on their A380, A350 and a 777. Of all 3, the A380 was the quietest. I actually had to have my noise cancelling headphones on all the way from Singapore to Sydney when on the 777, as it was the noisiest aircraft I have ever been on.
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