Aircraft

By Max Kingsley-Jones in Toulouse

Airbus and Singapore Airlines (SIA) say that the carrier’s decision last week to order up to 40 Boeing 787-9s does not close the door to a possible deal for the A350/A370.

SIA has signed a letter of intent for 20 787-9s and taken purchase rights for another 20, for delivery between 2011 and 2013. The announcement comes after a long-running evaluation of the 787 against the A350 that had been slowed partly by the changes made to the A350 over the course of the campaign.

SIA has been among the A350 critics, pushing Airbus to improve the aircraft’s specification. Airbus viewed SIA as one of the key targets for the A350/A370, but is playing down the impact of the decision to opt for its rival. “[SIA chief executive] Chew Choon Seng has been saying publicly what we’ve got to do to fix the A350,” says Airbus chief operating officer, customers, John Leahy. “I have had a conference call with the airline [since the 787 deal was announced] and discussions will continue on the A350.” SIA says “we don’t believe in closing the door on anything”, and confirms that it will continue talking with Airbus about the A350. “The door is still open.” Leahy says that the possible loss of SIA as a customer “does not impact our internal discussions on what to do with the A350”, despite the airline being one of the key drivers behind studies into the revamped family.

SIA is also continuing to assess offers from Airbus and Boeing for extra ultra-large and ultra-long-range aircraft. It has been considering ordering more A380s or becoming a launch customer for the 747-8 for some time.