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Airbus Says it’s Studying Potential Larger Version of A350

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Airbus has confirmed that it is evaluating a possible larger version of its A350 family, according to Christian Scherer, CEO of the European manufacturer’s commercial aviation division, speaking at the Dubai Airshow. The announcement comes just after Boeing revealed its intention to study a stretched version of the 777X, following the sale of 65 777-9 units to Emirates on the first day of the event.

Airbus’s proposal responds directly to the renewed market interest in larger twin-engine aircraft, a trend reviving competition between the two aerospace giants to dominate the segment previously occupied by four-engine aircraft.

The A350-2000 Returns to the Scene

The idea of a stretched version of the A350 is not new. In the past, Airbus had already considered a model under the tentative name A350-2000, as a response to the then-projected Boeing 777-10X. Although those plans did not move forward, interest has resurfaced.

“A number of our customers are telling us… please study a stretched version because it could be a formidable solution for our growth, and that is what we are analyzing,” Scherer stated in comments to Reuters.

Improvements for Extreme Conditions and More Efficient Engines

The analysis of a new A350 variant coincides with Airbus’s efforts to optimize the performance of the A350-1000 in demanding climatic conditions, such as those in the Gulf region, where engines tend to wear out more quickly. In this context, Rolls-Royce is investing in improvements for the Trent XWB-97 engine, which could not only resolve the maintenance issues highlighted by Emirates in 2023 but also open the door to a larger version of the aircraft.

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During the previous airshow, Emirates opted for the A350-900 over the A350-1000, citing concerns about engine performance. However, Scherer was optimistic: “We are very happy with the commercial performance of the -1000. We haven’t given up on Emirates. Our customer has told us: show me what the improved engine can do. We are about to do that, and then we will keep moving forward.”

Battle with Boeing Intensifies

The interest in large twin-engine aircraft revives a dispute that began over a decade ago, when Boeing launched its 777X family at the same event in 2013, securing massive orders from the Gulf. Although the 777X has suffered significant delays since then, Boeing maintains that its model will offer unprecedented operating economics thanks to the new GE9X engines and carbon-fiber wings.

For its part, Airbus argues that the efficiency of the A350, which is lighter and features a more modern carbon-fiber structure, compensates for its lower seat capacity compared to the 777-9. According to Scherer, this technology would be even more effective in a larger aircraft.

Engines: Decisive Factor

Engine performance will be key in this new phase of competition. Aviation analyst Rob Morris noted that “the GE9X would likely have more thrust potential than the Rolls-Royce XWB, and engines will be a determining factor. Furthermore, they are much better understood today than in 2016.”

It is worth recalling that Airbus and Boeing already faced off with preliminary designs for high-capacity models in 2016, in a bid to secure orders from Singapore Airlines, according to revelations by specialized journalist Jon Ostrower.

The potential development of a stretched A350 version marks a new chapter in the rivalry between Airbus and Boeing for dominance in the high-capacity twin-engine aircraft segment.

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