Singapore Airlines to purchase 20 airbuses

CONTRACT: Singapore Airlines signed a contract with Airbus for twenty A350-900 XWB aircraft, with options to purchase twenty additional units, affirming the Letter of Intent signed and announced by the parties.

The A350 XWB is of entirely new design and is Airbus’ next generation of twin-engine aircraft for medium to long haul flights. Deliveries for the twenty aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2013 and run through to 2015.

At list prices, the value of the twenty aircraft on firm order is US$3.7 billion, inclusive of engines and spares.

The purchase of the A350-900 XWB exemplifies Singapore Airlines’ leverage on technological progress to improve operational efficiency and environmental performance.

The order will cater for future growth, as well as maintain Singapore Airlines’ policy of operating a young and modern fleet.

The A350-900 XWB has a range of 8,100 nautical miles (approx 15,000 kilometres).

The range allows this aircraft to operate on routes to continental Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Asia. In the manufacturer’s three-class configuration, the A350-900 XWB can seat up to 314 passengers, but Singapore Airlines will decide its configuration at a later date.

The aircraft can also carry over 20 tonnes of cargo.