Udvar-Hazy Says Jet Now "Satisfies The Market"

One of Airbus' biggest question marks regarding the transition of orders for its original A350 jet, to the significantly revamped A350 XWB, has been answered.

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) and Airbus have concluded a revision of ILFC's original 16 A350 order to 20 A350 XWBs. The revised agreement by the world's largest commercial leasing company by fleet value, and a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc, is for both the -800 and the -900 version.

As ANN reported, ILFC founder and CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy (right) was among the most vocal critics of Airbus' original plan for the A350, which called for an essentially re-vamped A330 widebody mated to a new wing and engines.

Stung by his March 2006 comments, Airbus put the program through five revamps... resulting in today's XWB, which will utilize composite fuselage panels and support structures (though NOT in the "barrel" form adopted by Boeing for its 787, as ANN reported in September -- Ed.) in addition to a lighter, stronger wing mated to fuel-efficient turbofans.

In perhaps the most significant news of this announcement, Udvar-Hazy finally gave his approval to the A350 design. "Airbus is now offering an outstanding product which satisfies the market and our requirements," says ILFC Chairman and CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy.

It is still telling, however, that ILFC has but 20 A350 XWBs on order, compared to 74 Boeing 787s... reflective of the latter's popularity in the market, compared to its Airbus rival.

Airbus President and CEO Thomas Enders said ILFC's commitment shows the planemaker now has a truly viable alternative to the Boeing plane.

"ILFC's order confirms that the A350 XWB is a very attractive asset for a leading lessor. It is yet another strong endorsement by the financial community for our all new product," Enders said. "The all-new A350 XWB will bring unrivalled operating performance and economics, whilst passengers will enjoy more comfort in a highly advanced and more spacious cabin. Being extremely fuel efficient and quiet, it will also set new standards in terms of environmental friendliness."

ILFC has the option to also select the -1000 version upon request. ILFC's commitment brings total orders for the A350 XWB to 196, from nine customers.

FMI: www.ilfc.com, www.airbus.com