The New Airbus A350-1000 Order

Airbus, while publishing its November orders and deliveries, confirmed a fresh commitment to its high-capacity A350-1000.

The order arrived on November 14 2025, with eight of the largest members of the series selected, bringing the year’s total commitments for the A350-1000 to 77.

Alongside a deal for the widebody aircraft, the undisclosed customer also secured 2 A320neo jets, bringing the total order to 10 aircraft and commitments for the A320neo to 102 for the year up to November 30 2025.

Undisclosed customer orders are not uncommon, occurring frequently throughout the year and sparking great intrigue over which customer has committed to the aircraft before the formal confirmation arrives at the time of the deal, as is typical.

More often than not, these undsiclosed orders coming from lessors or airlines don’t have a name attached because of factors such as a requirement for fleet planning to be finalised and not put forward on a public level, companies engaging in strategy shifts that are remaining private, additionally focus on possible new start-ups and much more.

For aircraft lessors, especially, these deals can remain private because their end destination is still in the process of being finalised; however, once their end destination is eventually confirmed, as was the case with Etihad Airways last month.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier committed to multiple new Airbus planes, from the A330neo to the A350-1000 and the A350F; however, deals for the latter two aircraft models had been signed many months prior and were listed on Airbus’ orders and deliveries as from an undisclosed customer before eventually being confirmed.

All in all, the planemaker has seen its net total orders for the year reach 700 planes, which follows gross orders for 797 aircraft, but once factoring in 97 cancellations, that figure drops to 700.

Could A New A350 Be Coming Soon?

Another commitment for the Airbus A350-1000 follows a busy period for the broader program, as the planemaker has not only welcomed new orders but also considered releasing a possible new model.

At the Dubai Airshow 2025, Airbus confirmed it was moving ahead with studies on whether a larger model in the now-flagship program would be worth pursuing.

The jet, often dubbed the A350-2000 or the A350 Stretch, would aim to serve as an enhanced version of the A350-1000 and bridge the gap between the A350 and the 777X, as Boeing studies its own 777-10.

The purpose of the jet, well, that’s in direct response to what the planemaker’s CEO, Christian Scherer, has confirmed: interest from global airlines in larger aircraft being produced, which means not just Emirates but other airlines too, expressing their interest in such a plane launching.

The primary driver of these requests from airlines is the lack of a dedicated superjumbo currently on the market, following manufacturers’ decision to move away from quad-engined jets in a bid to become more streamlined and efficient.

With that in mind, now, at least for Airbus, the largest model available is the A350-1000, but as flagged by Emirates’ President Sir Tim Clark, demand is only increasing. Infrastructure at global airports cannot keep up with skyrocketing demand. If smaller aircraft continue to be offered, this puts pressure on airlines attempting to meet demand.

While the A350 Stretch is possible, it isn’t guaranteed to launch. Airbus will need to conduct feasibility studies with customers and internally to determine what a possible launch would do for its commercial aeroplanes division.

Ultimately, there’s an appetite that is clearly there, for the first time in a while, after such a model emerged in headlines across the mid-2010s but was shut down as Airbus instead wanted to focus on existing offerings such as the -900, -1000, ULR, and soon to come at that point, A350F.