Yesterday, a variant of the Airbus A350 family took off for the first time on test flights. To majority of people, it would mean nothing.,.. except for the three letters on the end of the designation ULR – Ultra Long Range
So what does ULR mean in terms of range? How about 9,700 nautical miles (Or 17964.4 Milometers/11162.56 miles), with ability to fly a 20 hour missions if needed.
In the case of Singapore Airlines – it will grant the airline the ability to connect Singapore and New York non-stop (which was last done with an A340-500).
Other changes include a modified fuel system to carry more weight, aerodynamic improvements and extended winglets. The plane will have a maximum take off weight of 280 tonnes too – which means it can carry the weights needed.
Seven A350-900ULR aircraft have been ordered by Singapore Airlines, and will join their fleet. With 21 A350-900 aircraft in their fleet (out of a total of 67, including the long haul variants) – the type will be a large makeup of the airlines fleet.
Oh, there’s a video too.
Combining a range of up to 9,700 nautical miles and the highest level of passenger comfort, the Ultra Long Range #A350 XWB opens the way for the world’s very longest flights, with unbeatable economics. pic.twitter.com/FiWTkuKxnj
— Airbus (@Airbus) April 23, 2018
The A350-900 ULR will enter service in the second half of 2018 – which leaves one more question – what sort of seating and product is going to be installed on board?
That’s the really interesting questions – and with the first plane of the type taking flight – answers will be needed sooner rather than later…
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