Air Caraïbes has taken delivery of its first A350-900, becoming the first French airline to operate the A350 XWB. The aircraft, leased from AerCap, was delivered during a ceremony held at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse on 28 February. It will take off at 14:00 heading for Paris Orly Sud before embarking on its first commercial flight to Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France on 2 March.
This A350-900 can accommodate 389 passengers in a three-class configuration, (18 in Business, 45 in Premium Economy and 326 in Economy).
Air Caraïbes plans to operate its A350 XWB alongside the A330s it already has in service on its Paris to French Caribbean routes.
AerCap President and Chief Commercial Officer Philip Scruggs said, “AerCap is proud to deliver the first A350 aircraft to Air Caraïbes. Air Caraïbes will be the first French airline to operate the A350. The aircraft will offer Air Caraïbes greater capacity, increased range and superior operational efficiency. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Air Caraïbes.”
Air Caraïbes’ Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Jean-Paul Dubreuil said, “We have been working with AerCap, and previously with ILFC, for over 14 years. They helped us launch our first transatlantic services in 2003 and 2004, by providing two Airbus A330 aircraft, on lease agreements. Our decision to invest in the A350 XWB was down to the competitive positions provided by AerCap.”