China Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of its first A350-900 in Toulouse, becoming the latest operator of the twin-engine widebody aircraft.

The Shanghai-based carrier now operates an Airbus fleet of 356 aircraft, including 306 A320 family aircraft and 50 A330 family aircraft (figures at the end of October 2018).

China Eastern is the largest Airbus operator in Asia and second largest in the world.

The carrier’s new A350-900 aircraft features a modern and comfortable four-class cabin layout of 288 seats: four first, 36 business, 32 premium economy and 216 economy.

The airline will initially operate the new aircraft on its domestic routes, followed by flights to international destinations.

Bringing new levels of efficiency and comfort to the long-range market, the A350 XWB family is particularly well suited to the needs of Asia-Pacific airlines.

To date, A350 XWB firm orders from carriers in the region represent over a third of total sales for the type.

The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-size wide-body long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel.

The A350-900 and the A350-1000, and derivatives, are the longest-range airliners in operation, with a range capability of up to 9,700 nautical miles.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines.

Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions.