Singapore Airlines takes delivery of Airbus’ 10,000th aircraft

Monday, 17 October 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Singapore Airlines has taken delivery of its sixth Airbus A350-900, the 10,000th aircraft that Airbus has delivered.

Singapore Airlines’ sixth A350-900 features a special logo highlighting that it is the 10,000th aircraft delivered by Airbus.

This latest A350-900 will be used to launch non-stop flights between Singapore and San Francisco later this month.

Singapore Airlines’ first A350-900 went into service in March and the aircraft type is now being used for Amsterdam, Dusseldorf and Johannesburg flights, with more destinations to be added as additional aircraft enter the fleet.

Singapore Airlines is the largest A350-900 customer with commitments for 67 firm orders, including seven of the ultra-long-range A350-900ULR variant.

Singapore Airlines is also the launch customer for the A350-900ULR, for which deliveries will begin in 2018.

“Singapore Airlines is honoured to be receiving the 10,000th aircraft that Airbus has delivered. Airbus aircraft have contributed greatly to Singapore Airlines’ successes over the decades, and we are proud to be sharing in this important milestone with our longstanding and trusted partner,” said Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong. “Today’s delivery shows just how far Airbus has come over the decades. On behalf of the staff and management of Singapore Airlines, I would like to congratulate Airbus for reaching this incredible milestone.”

Singapore Airlines placed its first order with Airbus in 1979, for the A300B4. The SIA Group has since operated aircraft from all of Airbus’ product lines – the A300, A310, A320, A330, A340, A350 and A380 families. The company currently operates aircraft from all of Airbus’ in-production product lines.

Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders said, “We are especially proud to celebrate this milestone with Singapore Airlines – one of our longest-standing customers and a true partner. Today, the SIA Group operates aircraft from across our complete product line and with the highest levels of technical excellence. There is no better endorsement for our products and we thank the entire SIA Group for its ongoing confidence, partnership and support.”

Singapore Airlines and Airbus also have business partnerships together. Earlier this year, Airbus and subsidiary SIA Engineering Company signed an agreement to form a joint-venture heavy maintenance facility in Singapore. Last year, Singapore Airlines and Airbus jointly launched Airbus Asia Training Centre, providing pilot training on Airbus aircraft types in the Asia Pacific region.