Aer Lingus chooses the A350

In the latest installment of the 787-A350 battle, Irish carrier Aer Lingus has chosen the Airbus A350 XWB (Extra Wide Body) to supplement its fleet of A330s (and to replace some of the older ones). The order for six A350s plus six options is, according to Airbus, the airline's "biggest ever commitment for long-haul aircraft".

Aer Lingus CEO Dermot Mannion said, "The A350 XWB fits in with our ambitious plans to expand existing routes and to open up new ones from our hub in Dublin. We already have an all Airbus fleet and the new aircraft will fit in seamlessly."