Overview: The Airbus A350‘s Market Impact
Airbus has achieved a significant milestone, delivering 89 widebody aircraft in 2024, surpassing Boeing by one unit. This demonstrates a notable shift in the widebody market where Boeing historically held the lead. Nonetheless, Boeing remains optimistic with continued sales of the Boeing 787 and the upcoming debut of the Boeing 777X, anticipated within 18 months. However, the Airbus A350’s success presents a challenge for Boeing.
The Appeal of the Airbus A350
The Airbus A350 is renowned for its quiet cabin, a result of its modern design and the adoption of ‘Airspace’ cabin technology. With in-flight noise reduced to below 60 dB, it’s one of the quietest aircraft available. This quietness is complemented by the aircraft’s range, making it suitable for ultra-long-haul routes. The A350 competes directly with the Boeing 787 and the 777 family but offers longer range capabilities, particularly compared to the Dreamliner.
| Specification | A350-900 | A350-1000 | 787-9 | 777-300ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Capacity (3-class) | 332-352 | 350-410 | 296 | 386 |
| Range | 8,100 NM (15,000 km) | 9,000 NM (16,700 km) | 7,565 NM (14,010 km) | 7,370 NM (13,650 km) |
Technological Advancements in Noise Reduction
Through advancements like the Rolls-Royce XWB turbofan engines, Airbus has lowered noise emissions. These engines feature acoustic lining and a high bypass ratio. The A350’s design, including Sharklets and noise insulation, complements these features, creating a quiet aircraft that meets ICAO and FAA noise standards.
Comparative Noise Levels
A study in Applied Acoustics recorded various widebody aircraft’s in-cabin noise levels. However, the A380 was the quietest, measuring at 69.5 dB. The A350-900 was slightly louder at 74.9 dB, compared to the 787’s 72.7 dB. Still, the A350 remains a quiet aircraft, crucial for operations near populated areas.
A350’s Market Performance
The A350 has secured over 1,400 orders, continuing strong sales since its 2015 service entry. The A350-900 dominates orders with over 1,000 units, while the A350-1000 has 360 orders. Airbus plans to increase production, aiming for 12 units per month by 2028, in response to growing demand.
| Type | Orders | Deliveries |
|---|---|---|
| A350-900 | 1,009 | 573 |
| A350-1000 | 361 | 101 |
| A350F | 65 | – |
| A350 family | 1,435 | 674 |
Looking to the Future
Boeing plans to launch the 777X by 2027, promising advances in noise reduction with its GE9X engines. Meanwhile, Airbus considers future A350 development, including the A350-2000. The A350F freighter variant is expected to enter service in 2027, underscoring Airbus’s long-term commitment to the A350 platform.
