Aviation

Airbus in Talks for Major Sale of Widebody Jets to Chinese Market

According to the Reports from Bloomberg News, Airbus SE is reportedly engaged in negotiations for a significant sale of A330neo aircraft to China.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that some of the largest Chinese airlines are contemplating the purchase of more than 100 of these upgraded A330 models. The terms of the deal are still under discussion, and the timing remains uncertain.

The A330neo, an enhanced version of the previous A330 series featuring new engine options, has garnered significant interest. Before its upgrade, the A330 series amassed a total of 1,445 orders.

The timing of these negotiations is notable, as China has once again halted imports from Boeing, presenting an opportunity for Airbus to present more favorable terms to Chinese airlines. This development underscores the growing divergence between Airbus and Boeing in navigating China’s crucial aviation market amidst heightened geopolitical tensions between China and the US.

China’s decision to halt imports from Boeing, shortly after resuming them following a five-year hiatus, is linked to regulatory scrutiny of a cockpit voice recorder design approved by US and European counterparts. Airbus, on the other hand, benefits from its substantial investment in China, including manufacturing facilities for the popular A320neo and A330 models. The recent diplomatic efforts by Chinese President Xi Jinping towards European leaders further enhance Airbus’s position in the region.

For Airbus, a potential order from China would bolster the backlog for the A330neo, which has faced slower sales compared to its predecessors. The A330neo’s updated features, including new engines and wings, make it an attractive option for airlines seeking efficiency and performance improvements.

Aviation

Airbus Enhances A350 Cabin with 10-Abreast Seating

Airbus has announced a new partnership with Jiatai Aircraft Equipment, a Chinese aircraft seating manufacturer, to supply upgraded economy-class seats for the A350 widebody series.

This collaboration, unveiled at the 2024 Airshow China, focuses on developing a newly designed economy seat tailored for the A350‘s New Production Standard (NPS) cabin.

One of the key features of the NPS cabin is the ability to accommodate 17-inch wide economy seats, compared to the previous 16.5-inch wide seats that airlines were limited to in the A350’s earlier configurations.

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This change is made possible by the expanded space in the NPS cabin, which is 35 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the previous version. This extra space is achieved by slightly moving the cockpit wall forward and shifting the rear pressure bulkhead back by one frame.

The wider cabin allows airlines to add up to 30 extra economy seats without compromising comfort. For airlines opting for a 3-4-3 seating layout, the 17-inch wide seats are an excellent choice for a more comfortable passenger experience. However, some airlines, such as Iberia, may choose to retain a 9-abreast layout with wider seats for added comfort.

The NPS cabin also offers enhanced flexibility for airline operators. One major advantage is the ability to easily switch between a 9-abreast and 10-abreast seating configuration without requiring significant downtime for aircraft reconfiguration. Airlines can use the same seat rails, tracks, and IFE interfaces, making the transition smoother and quicker.

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In addition, the design of the floor attachments and air-conditioning systems has been optimized for 10-abreast seating, meaning airlines can upgrade their cabins without needing to make substantial modifications to the aircraft’s structure.

Though it’s still unclear when Jiatai’s economy-class seats will be officially added to the A350’s Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) catalogue, the collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the A350’s cabin offerings.

With this partnership, Airbus is providing more seating options for airlines, ensuring that they can meet diverse customer needs while improving overall operational efficiency.