Airbus Working on fresh Widebody Model: A350-2000

PARIS- As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Airbus hints at making a significant leap forward with the introduction of the A350-2000. This new variant will be a stretched variant of its highly successful A350-1000 widebody aircraft.

The announcement comes ahead of the Paris Air Show 2025 (PAS2025). This has sparked widespread interest among aviation enthusiasts and industry stakeholders alike. This new variant by Airbus will position it as a direct competitor to Boeing’s 777X. It will also be a response to the growing demand for more efficient long-haul aircraft.

Photo: Robin HARDY

Airbus A350-2000

The A350-2000 is envisioned as an enhanced version of the A350-1000, which currently offers seating for up to 369 passengers.

According to the diagram shared by A350Blog on X, the new variant might feature fuselage plugs to extend the length. This might potentially increase capacity by approximately 40 seats.

This stretch would bring the total passenger capacity close to 400-410 seats, aligning it with the Boeing 777X’s projected offerings. There shall be several other key modifications, including the addition of a Type C emergency exit.

Some tweaks to the wing design for improved aerodynamics can also be expected. Airbus might need more powerful engines (possibly of an advanced design). One can expect an increase in maximum take-off weight (MTOW) to accommodate the added length and payload.

Airbus CEO’s recent statement emphasizes the strategic importance of this development:

“The new A350 variant would provide even greater range and capacity, which is becoming more important in an increasingly crowded aviation market.”

This suggests that the A350-2000 is not just an incremental upgrade but a bold move to capture a larger Market. This new variant will help Airbus to capture a larger share of the ultra-long-haul and high-capacity market segments.

Photo: Airbus

Technical Enhancements and Feasibility

The anticipated changes to the A350-1000 can be expected to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Airbus can leverage the existing airframe’s proven technology. The fuselage plugs, strategically placed along the aircraft’s body, would distribute the additional weight and structural stress effectively.

The inclusion of an additional Type C exit is a critical safety and regulatory consideration. This will ensure compliance with evacuation standards for the increased passenger load. Meanwhile, tweaks to the wings could enhance lift and fuel efficiency, which is a key factor in long-haul operations.

The requirement of more powerful engines hints at a potential upgrade to the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB series, which currently powers the A350 family. The Trent XWB-97 delivers 97,000 lbf of thrust. This will require further optimization or replacement with a next-generation variant to handle the A350-2000’s increased weight.

Higher operating weights would also require a reinforced landing gear and structural enhancements, though the existing A350-1000’s robust design provides a solid foundation for these modifications.

The A350-2000’s development could be relatively straightforward if the focus remains on lengthening the fuselage without significantly altering the wing or engine configuration. However, the MTOW of the A350-1000 might already suffice, potentially reducing the need for an additional exit if operators are not nearing evacuation limits.

Photo: Airbus

Market Implications

The A350-2000’s plans come at a time when Airbus is keen to compete with Boeing’s 777X, which promises a capacity of around 420 seats and advanced fuel efficiency.

The A350-2000’s design appears tailored to close this gap. Airbus is planning to offer a compelling alternative for airlines seeking to replace aging fleets like the Boeing 747s or Airbus A340s.

Airlines in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific have always presented their demand for long-range, high-capacity aircraft. These carriers are likely to be key targets.

The A350-2000’s enhanced range could enable non-stop flights on challenging routes, such as Singapore to Los Angeles or New York. However, the success of this variant will depend on Airbus’s ability to balance the increased capacity with operational costs, a challenge that has been debated.

Photo: Airbus

Bottom Line

The project’s revival, after earlier considerations that were shelved in 2016 due to market concerns, shows a renewed confidence in the demand for such aircraft.

In conclusion, whether it will outshine the 777X or carve its own niche remains to be seen, but its potential to redefine long-haul travel is undeniable. As more details emerge, this stretched marvel could well become the next icon in the skies.

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The post Airbus Working on New Widebody Model: A350-2000 appeared first on Aviation A2Z.