Airbus’s A350-900 will initially be approved for extended operations up to 370min.

The European Aviation Safety Agency has cleared the aircraft to enter service with beyond-180min ETOPS.

Airbus says this marks the first time that a new aircraft type has received such broad approval before service entry.

“This means that operators will benefit from the most efficient, reliable and direct long-range routings of any two-engined aircraft,” says the airframer.

Customers will be able to take the A350-900 with a basic 180min ETOPS capability or opt for 300min and 370min alternatives.

The maximum capability potentially enables the aircraft to fly on a single Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine, during diversion, for some 2,500nm.

Airbus says this will give carriers the flexibility to use the type on routes between Australia, South Africa and South America.

Source: Cirium Dashboard