Airbus confirmed in November that it was examining the feasibility of a potential A350-2000, a step that followed Boeing’s agreement to study a larger version of its 777X as part of negotiations to secure 65 new orders for the delayed aircraft. Any move toward a larger A350 would mark a significant expansion of Airbus’s wide-body offering and could surpass the A350-1000, currently the largest aircraft in its portfolio.
Emirates, the world’s largest long-haul carrier, has so far opted against the A350-1000, citing concerns over engine durability in the demanding operating conditions of the Gulf region. The airline has, however, ordered the smaller A350-900 and has spoken positively about its performance in service.
“We’d certainly look at it. Of course we’d look at it,” Clark said in an interview in Dubai when asked about potential interest in a larger A350 variant, reiterating the airline’s long-standing view that aircraft manufacturers need to address the demand for higher-capacity wide-bodies.
The A350-900, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, has met Emirates’ operational expectations, Clark said, pointing to strong dispatch reliability and passenger acceptance of the aircraft’s cabin configuration. By contrast, the A350-1000 competes directly with Boeing’s 777X, a programme in which Emirates remains the largest customer despite repeated delays.
Rolls-Royce, the sole engine supplier for the A350 family, has said it is making progress on durability upgrades for the A350-1000’s engines. A senior executive at the British manufacturer said earlier this week that the improvement programme was on track, with the company already achieving around 60% more time between overhauls and further gains expected from 2028.
For Airbus, a decision on whether to formally launch a larger A350 would come as airlines reassess long-haul capacity needs amid ongoing delivery delays and shifting demand, setting the stage for a new phase of competition at the top end of the wide-body market.