A350-900ULR

The Airbus A350 XWB ushered in a new era for long-haul flights. To respond to the growing demand for direct connections between global metropolises, Airbus has developed the Ultra Long Range (ULR) variant of its A350-900, overcoming geographical limitations and reducing travel times.

The concept of a non-stop plane between almost every point on the globe has fascinated for decades. The A350-900ULR, with its first flight in 2018, embodies this ambition, leveraging the efficiency and advanced technology of the A350 XWB for unprecedented performance and optimization.

The A350-900ULR is a redesign aimed at maximum range. Its architecture employs 70% advanced materials, including carbon fiber composites, titanium and aluminum alloys, making it lightweight and efficient, crucial for maximizing range.

The propulsion heart of the ULR are the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, known for their efficiency and reliability. Optimized for long flights, they offer low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, while advanced aerodynamics and optimized wings decrease drag.

To increase range, the A350-900ULR integrates a modified fuel system, increasing capacity by 24,000 litres compared to standard, for a total of 165,000 litres. Requires structural strengthening of the undercarriage to support a higher maximum take-off weight (MTOW), up to 280 tonnes.

Onboard Specifications

• ◆Increased fuel capacity (up to 165,000 litres), allowing non-stop flights of exceptional duration.
• ◆Maximum operational range (up to 9,700 nautical miles / 17,900 km), the longest range for an airliner.
• ◆"Airspace by Airbus" cabin with optimized humidity, pressure and lighting, to reduce jet lag and improve comfort on long journeys.

The operational debut of the A350-900ULR was with launch customer Singapore Airlines on the direct route between Singapore and the United States. The Singapore-New York (Newark or JFK) connection is one of the longest commercial flights, exceeding 18 hours.

The on-board experience was taken care of in detail. Singapore Airlines has configured its A350-900ULRs exclusively with Business and Premium Economy classes, eliminating Economy to offer greater space and comfort, improving travellers' well-being.

The A350-900ULR has demonstrated extreme capabilities, becoming a symbol of global connectivity. It made it possible to reach destinations previously accessible only with stopovers, revolutionizing the concept of intercontinental travel for passengers and goods.

The Airbus A350-900ULR has redefined expectations for ultra-long-haul flights, setting new standards of efficiency, range and comfort. Its existence is a testament to the advancement of aeronautical engineering, pushing the boundaries of the possible and creating opportunities.

This extraordinary aircraft is a catalyst for global connections, shortening distances and making the world more accessible. Its legacy lies in demonstrating that geographical limits can be overcome through technological innovation, improving travel experiences and operational efficiency.

The A350-900ULR will remain in aviation history as a pioneer, a symbol of the human ability to innovate and fly further, efficiently. Its success consolidated Airbus' position in the long haul, paving the way for future developments.