Airbus sees clear market demand for a longer, higher-capacity derivative of the A350, commonly referred to as the A350-2000, as airlines seek additional long-haul capacity. Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, disclosed the assessment at a media briefing in Toulouse on Wednesday. The manufacturer is also studying a stretched A220, with decisions on both potential derivatives possible early in its next five-year planning cycle.
Neither aircraft has received formal launch approval, and the A350-2000 remains an industry working name rather than a confirmed Airbus designation. Airbus has not disclosed a final configuration, passenger capacity, engine selection, development budget, launch date or delivery timetable.
A further A350 stretch would sit above the A350-1000 and could target aircraft approaching the 400-seat segment, placing it against Boeing’s 777-9. The proposal reflects airline demand for larger wide-body aircraft as carriers replace older jets and expand international networks.
Airbus is targeting production of 12 A350s per month in 2028. Wagner indicated that the company would decide sooner rather than later whether to increase capacity beyond that level. Production above the current industrial limit would require additional final-assembly capacity and a broader supplier system.