Cathay Gets First Airbus A350-1000

Under beautiful sunny skies in Toulouse, France, today (June 19), Cathay Pacific celebrated the delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, the first of 20 that will join the Cathay fleet by 2021.

The A350-900 – of which the airline has 22 in service – and 1000 serve as the backbone of Cathay’s long-haul services.

PressToday’s Greg Coates was on hand for the ceremony and took part in the aircraft’s ferry flight to Hong Kong, along with Cathay executives and staff and other media.

The Airbus-1000, which will be deployed on routes to Washington DC, is the latest and largest member of the A350 XWB wide body family and features advanced and simplified systems, light-weight structures with 70% of advanced materials of which 54% is Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer and incorporates unique morphing wing technology.

Eric Schulz of Airbus described the 1000 as the “world’s newest, most sophisticated aircraft,” renowned for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Cathay Pacific is only the second airline to take delivery of the 1000 (Qatar Airways being the first).
Cathay’s version will carry 334 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy class cabins, 54 more that the airline’s A350-900s.

Passenger comfort is at the heart of the design. Features include a new Economy class seat with larger, high definition personal television, an advanced inflight entertainment system and LED mood lighting.

The cabins are also 50% quieter than other aircraft.

“The aircraft follows the successful entry of the 900 variant which has enabled us to expand our long-haul network at a near unprecedented rate,” said Paul Loo, Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer.

“The 1000 is very similar to the 900 in terms of its operational excellence. It has an incredible range, is remarkably fuel efficient and quiet, provides customers with an unsurpassed cabin environment and has extremely attractive operating economics.”

For more on the Airbus A350-1000, Cathay Pacific and its home hub of Hong Kong, watch for upcoming issues of Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier.

In the photo

Seen here, from l to r, are Paul Loo and Captain Evan Summerfield.