Sichuan Airlines to Add 4 A350-900s into Its Fleet

Sichuan Airlines has signed an agreement to lease three A350-900s from AerCap and one from Air Lease Corp, the airline said on Monday.

On the same day, Sichuan Airlines and Airbus signed a strategic agreement to ensure the smooth delivery and operations of the airline's A350.

The Chengdu-based carrier, which is owned by the Sichuan provincial government in southwestern China, is due to take delivery of its first A350-900 aircraft in 2017. The airline plans to use the aircraft to expand its North American services.

The deal will support the airline's international expansion and improve its competitiveness in the long-haul market.

The A350 XWB is Airbus' all-new family of widebody aircraft that is shaping the future of medium- to long-haul airline operations - overcoming the challenges of volatile fuel prices, matching rising passenger expectations and addressing increasing environmental concerns. The A350 XWB is setting 

a new standard of efficiency in its class, with 25 percent lower fuel consumption compared to its current aluminium long-range competitors. It also provides superior passenger comfort, with more personal space and 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy.

In recent two years, the airline has stepped up expanding its international business and has launched services to Moscow, Dubai, Tokyo, Osaka and Prague, with its new Los Angeles service coming soon.
Joy Wong, China Aviation Daily / Photo:Ton Jochems - PRG