TAM Airlines becomes first airline in the Americas to receive the A350 XWB

The aircraft was recently delivered to TAM at Airbus’ factory in Toulouse, and is configured in a two-class layout with 348 seats - 30 in Premium Business Class and 318 in Economy. LATAM, which consists of LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines, has ordered a total of 27 of the new aircraft. The carrier will start operating the A350 XWB commercially in January 2016 between Sao Paulo and Manaus, Brazil, followed by operations from Sao Paulo to Miami in March and then to Madrid in April. “The A350 XWB brings us the best of both worlds, complementing our existing eco-efficient fleet and the best in aviation technology to ensure even greater levels of comfort for our passengers," said Claudia Sender, CEO of TAM S.A. The A350 XWB is the newest member of Airbus’ fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft family. The long-range A350 XWB features a modern aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines that together bring 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions with significantly lower maintenance costs. For passengers, it offers “new levels of in-flight comfort, with an extra-wide cabin offering more personal space in all classes, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class,” according to Airbus. So far in 2015, Airbus has delivered 13 A350 XWBs to four customers. Airbus has a total of 775 firm orders from 41 customers worldwide, making the A350 XWB one of the most successful wide-body aircraft ever.

Underside of the all-new Aibus A350 XWB