Two biggest aircraft manufacturers - Boeing and Airbus – took an opportunity to showcase their up-to-the-minute aircraft design and technology at the International Airlines Technical Pool (IATP) conference on March 10, 2018 in Riga, Latvia.

During the conference, Airbus took a chance to put the A350 XWB Ultra Long Range under the spotlight, with the first aircraft currently progressing in Airbus Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. This latest variant of the best-selling A350 XWB Family will fly further than any other commercial airliner and will enter service with launch operator Singapore Airlines (SIA1) (SINGY) later this year.

The A350 XWB family is Airbus’s all new mid-size long-range  aircraft family and consists of the A350-900 and the A350-1000, both offering true long range capability (8,000nm) and respectively seating 325 and 366 passengers in a typical 3-class configuration. According to the company, it is the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft family, designed to compete with the Boeing 787 and 777/777-X.

The A350 XWB’s all new clean sheet design combines state-of-the-art technologies including the latest aerodynamics (e.g. unique morphing wing), carbon fiber fuselage and wings.  The new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines offer unrivalled operational efficiency, with 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs when compared with previous-generation competitors. According to the company, its Airspace by Airbus cabin is the most modern, comfortable and quietest of any twin-aisle aircraft where passengers will enjoy unmatched level of well-being.

In turn, Airbus’ competitor from across the pond took the change to promote their upcoming rival to the A350 XWB family – the Boeing 777X. The newest addition to the B777 family is set to be rolled out in late 2019 and Boeing promises it will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine jet in the world.

The 777X will have a new longer composite wing with folding wing tips. New engines and new-design composite wings will result in incredible fuel-efficiency in the 777X family. The 777X will be the largest and most-efficient twin engine jet in the world, says Boeing, with 12% lower fuel consumption and 10% lower operating costs than the competition.

The IATP is a convention of Airlines sharing Technical Resources to generate economic savings and support on time dispatch reliability and operational safety. Currently it has 107 Airline members and 35 Associate Members.