Airbus looks at bigger A350 option amid reports Boeing is assessing 777-10

Airbus is also considering a larger version of its A350 family, as confirmed by Christian Scherer, CEO of the commercial aircraft division, during the Dubai Airshow.

The move comes in the wake of Emirates’ request for larger widebody aircraft, as it seeks high-capacity twin-engine aircraft in the long-haul segment to replace its A380s over the next decade.

Scherer indicated that several customers are encouraging Airbus to consider a stretched A350, stating, “A number of our customers are telling us…please look at stretching it because it could be a formidable solution for us as we grow, and that is what we are looking at,” according to Reuters.

Airbus had previously explored a larger A350 variant, referred to as the A350-2000, as a potential competitor to the Boeing 777-9. The current A350-1000 is Airbus’s largest twinjet, accommodating more than 350 passengers.

Emirates did not select the A350-1000 at the previous Dubai Airshow, citing concerns over the performance of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine. Rolls-Royce is now investing in upgrades to address airline requirements.

Boeing, which just closed an order for 65 additional 777-9s with Emirates, has also reportedly committed to evaluating a 777-10, a variant with capacity for 450 seats in two classes.

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