Stay informed with our newsletter.
.webp){kind=spacer}
EN
This summer, eight airlines will operate the Airbus A350-1000 on routes to the U.S., offering passengers a superior travel experience with advanced comfort, fuel efficiency, and modern amenities. As more carriers introduce this cutting-edge aircraft, travelers can enjoy spacious cabins, quieter flights, and enhanced in-flight services on transatlantic routes, making long-haul journeys more convenient and enjoyable.
On March 30, northern airlines will transition to their summer schedules in line with IATA slot regulations. These schedules will remain in effect until October 25. During this time, eight airlines will operate the Airbus A350-1000 - the largest model of the A350 - on flights to the U.S. These carriers include British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, French bee, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. Delta Air Lines is also expected to introduce this aircraft soon.
The table below provides an overview of these airlines' operations. According to Cirium Diio data, flights to the U.S. on the A350-1000 have increased by 20% compared to last summer. As a result, this variant now makes up 27% of all A350 flights to the U.S., up from 25% year-over-year.
Ethiopian Airlines’ addition of Washington Dulles to its route network has played a role in this growth. A member of the Star Alliance, the airline currently has three A350-1000s, having received its first in November 2024. With a seating capacity of 395, it is Ethiopian’s second-largest aircraft after the Boeing 777-300ER, which has 399 seats. Notably, around 12% of its A350 seats are designated for business class, a higher proportion than any other widebody aircraft in its fleet.
However, the overall expansion is largely driven by increased utilization by Virgin Atlantic, which has seen a 24% rise in flights. Cathay Pacific, Etihad, and Japan Airlines have also significantly expanded their A350-1000 services, with increases of 42%, 90%, and 51%, respectively. Japan Airlines, which received its first A350-1000 in December 2023, now operates nine of these aircraft.
Conversely, British Airways has reduced its A350-1000 flights to the U.S. by 20% compared to last year. The airline now deploys this aircraft on just four U.S. routes, down from five the previous summer. Service to Austin will end on March 29, the final day of the winter season, with the Boeing 777-200ER and 787-8 taking over. The A350-1000 is scheduled to return to Austin on October 26.
The list of airports receiving the A350-1000 is detailed below. While Austin will no longer see flights on this aircraft during the summer, Newark will be added to the network.
Unsurprisingly, New York JFK remains the busiest airport for A350-1000 operations, accounting for nearly 30% of all such flights to the U.S. The airport is served by Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.
Dallas/Fort Worth ranks second but has seen a 40% increase in A350-1000 flights compared to last summer. The addition of Cathay Pacific, starting April 24, 2025, has contributed to this growth, joining existing services by Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways, creating a strong presence for oneworld alliance carriers. This expansion has pushed Dallas/Fort Worth ahead of Orlando and Las Vegas in terms of A350-1000 flight activity.
During the peak summer season, New York JFK will have up to 12 daily departures operated by the A350-1000, particularly on Thursdays between July 3 and September 11. The breakdown of these flights is as follows:
In conclusion, the summer schedule transition for northern airlines marks significant growth in A350-1000 operations to the U.S., with expanded services from key carriers like Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, and new routes such as Ethiopian Airlines' addition of Washington Dulles, reflecting an overall increase in demand for this aircraft model.
For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com
Source: simpleflying
.jpg)
