Aer Lingus chooses next generation widebody

AER Lingus has become the latest airline to place a firm order for the all-new A350XWB. In its biggest ever acquisition for long haul aircraft, the Irish airline has received shareholder approval to purchase six A350-900s, along with six additional A330-300s, confirming its earlier placed contract. This latest contract brings total firm orders for the A350XWB to 362 from 22 customers.

Aer Lingus’ new A350-900s will be deployed on the airline’s growing long haul network to the US and on other new long-range routes that are being considered for the future.

The additional six new A330-300s will replace some of its earlier A330s, and will provide further growth opportunities in the short term until the first f the A350-900s are delivered. Both the A350-900s and the A330-300s will be in a two-class configuration, featuring Aer Lingus’ new premier class product. The aircraft will join Aer Lingus’ all Airbus fleet, currently comprising 32 A320 family aircraft and nine A330s.

“The A350-900 fits well into our ambitious plans to expand existing routes and to open up new ones from our hub in Dublin. The new aircraft will fit in seamlessly with our all-Airbus fleet,” said Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion.

“We are absolutely delighted Aer Lingus has chosen the A350-900 to modernise and expand their Airbus fleet. It will not only bring Aer Lingus unbeatable operating costs, but also offer their customers the cutting edge in passenger comfort. The winning economics of the A330 Family is also further demonstrated by this commitment for more A330-300s,” said John Leahy, chief operating officer, customers.