AerCap, in association with Airbus, Aer Lingus, Dublin Airport and the IDA, hosted the first visit of the Airbus A350 XWB to Dublin Airport, where invited guests from the aviation and commercial sector were invited to view and fly in this innovative new aircraft.
AerCap is now the largest aircraft leasing company in the world with $44 billion of assets and with 200 customers in more than 90 countries. The company leased 493 aircraft over the past 18 months and 90% of forward orders placed through the end of 2017. AerCap leave €100 million in the Irish economy in purchases and wages.
Aer Lingus is one of the lead customers for the A350 XWB and has nine aircraft on order with Airbus for delivery in 2018 to 2020. These will service the transatlantic routes and will be in a three-class configuration.
The eco-efficient A350 XWB is the most innovative aircraft offering cost savings of 25% on fuel coupled with a reduction in CO2 emissions. The airframe features 70% advanced materials with 53% carbon fibre reinforced polymer. There are also larger overhead compartments for baggage and a full LED cabin lighting system that offers 16.7 million different colours.
The event was also attended by Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and Paschal Donohue TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
