Which Airlines Still Have the Airbus A350 On Order?

The Airbus A350 is proving to be a versatile, economical and popular long-haul airliner.

To date around 450 have been delivered to airlines around the world, and it is common to see the type at most hub airports.

Who Flies the A350?

The Airbus A350 is now flying with around 35 different airlines.

The largest operators of the type include Singapore Airlines, with 56 examples (including the Ultra Long Range variant), Qatar Airways, with 53 examples, Cathay Pacific, with 28 examples, Delta Air Lines, with 22 examples, and Lufthansa with 18 examples.

Most operators fly either the A350-900, -1000, or a mixture of both. As mentioned, only Singapore Airlines flies the A350-900ULR.

Which Airlines Still Have the Airbus A350 on Order?

There are a number of airlines that have ordered the Airbus A350, but not yet received any examples.

Spotters and travellers who love the type can look forward to seeing the A350 in the colours of these airlines soon:

Emirates

A huge order for 50 Airbus A350-900s was made by the Dubai-based airline. The first aircraft are due to enter service in 2023.

ITA Airways

The new national carrier of Italy, ITA Airways, will receive the first of four A350-900s in June 2022. These will allow it to grow its long-haul network.

Japan Airlines

While the Japanese carrier has a fleet of A350-900s, it is due to take 13 A350-1000s in the near future.

Kuwait Airways

While no official news has been announced, it is thought that Kuwait Airways’ order for five A350-900s (already reduced from 10) may be cancelled soon. But we’ve kept it here just in case!

SirLankan Airlines

The Sri Lankan carrier hopes to add both Airbus A330neos and A350-900s to its long-haul fleet soon. These have been delayed by Covid, but should appear soon.

Starlux Airlines

The first A350 for this new Taiwanese carrier has already appeared out of the paint shop, so it should be the next new A350 carrier that you see. A very smart livery indeed!

United Airlines

Quite a latecomer to the A350, America’s United Airlines has an outstanding order for 45 A350-900s. However, deliveries are not set to start until 2027. This will coincide with the retirement of older long-haul types like the Boeing 767 and 777.

Yemenia

One to take with a pinch of salt given the ongoing civil war crisis in Yemen. The airline, which placed an order for A350-800s (later revised to -900s) in 2008 has largely been grounded during this period (as well as the Covid pandemic). Kept in the list for completeness.

Who Else Might Order the A350

With major aviation tradeshows now resuming following Covid, we may see new orders for the A350 from carriers which have not yet bought and of the type.

At the recent Dubai Air Show, the A350F freighter was announced, with orders following for Air Lease Corporation and CMA CGM Group.

We may also see new carriers operating the type on lease from the various lessors which have ordered the type.

Recent problems with the A350, evidenced by the grounding of much of the Qatar Airways fleet, may on the other hand put off some potential customers. Time will tell!

Do you like the A350? Have you flown on one? Leave a comment below!