Emirates today decided to let an order lapse for 70 Airbus A350 aircraft that were for delivery from 2019.
Airbus A350 MSN2 on tow – Image Airbus.
The decision appears to be part of an effort of Emirates to “right-size” its fleet as it starts to focus on big heavy fleets.
The order consisted of 50 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s, made in 2007 and to be powered by Rolls Royce TrentXWB engines, with the value of the engines worth £2.6Billion
Emirates has outstanding deliveries due on the Airbus A380, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777F and the Boeing 777X series of aircraft. The outstanding orders for the A380s is unaffected.
Whilst the hole is a large one, representing nearly 9% of all A350 orders, Airbus still has 742 aircraft on the order books for the class.
This will allow some airlines/lessors to get access to an earlier delivery slot, or allow new carriers considering the A350 to move in to take those slots.
This however doesn’t stop the first A350s and the other continuing their tests and entry into service, with Qatar Airways being the launch customer of the type.