Emirates President Tim Clark told Reuters the airline would consider ordering a larger version of the A350 if Airbus moves forward with the possibility of a new widebody, repeating calls for manufacturers to build larger planes.
Airbus announced in November that it was considering a so-called A350-2000 after Boeing agreed to consider a larger version of its largest production jet, the 777X, as part of a deal to secure 65 new orders for the delayed jet.
The larger A350 could leapfrog the A350-1000, currently the largest model in Airbus’ portfolio, but Emirates has previously rejected the deal over concerns about engine durability in the Gulf’s harsh operating conditions.
Asked about possible interest in the A350-2000, Clark told Reuters in an interview in Dubai: “We would definitely look at it. Of course we would look at it.”
Emirates bought its flagship A350-900 long-haul model, but not the larger A350-1000, which competes with the Boeing 777X, of which Emirates is its biggest customer.
“The A350-900 is a beautiful airplane. Its engines work really well for us. Deployment reliability has been great and everyone likes the way we’re configured,” Clark said on the sidelines of the World Government Summit.
The A350 series is powered by Rolls-Royce engines.
Executives at the British engine maker said earlier this week that the A350-1000’s engine durability improvement program is “progressing well.”
Rolls said the improvements have already lengthened the time to overhaul by 60% and expects it to take even longer in 2028.
Emirates, the world’s largest purchaser of wide-body aircraft, is asking for more time between repair shop visits before purchasing A350-1000 aircraft.
Airbus has not said how far into discussions about a possible third model, the A350-2000, has progressed. (Additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Singapore; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Louise Heavens and Alexander Smith)
