The initial offering by Airbus called Airbus A350 was a streched A330-300 with newer engines and new wings. Airbus offered this in response to Boeing 787. The market reacted negatively. everyone wanted an all new design built from scratch.
So Airbus came out with Airbus A350XWB(Extra wide body). This is an all new design built from scratch. The aircraft is made out of composites. Airbus is making composite airframe and composite skin. Boeing is making barrels for 787.
The A350XWB has for 9 abreast seating configuration.THE BASE MODEL
A350-900 is a replacement for boeing 777-200ER. The A350-800 is a smaller airplane and competes with Boeing 787. The A350-1000 will compete with boeing 777-300ER.
The A350 cockpit evolves from Airbus 380 cockpit. features less paper cockpit and permament notebook computers in the cockpit .
The aircraft is a huge success. Qatar airways is the launch customer. Emirates has ordered over 50 aircraft to replace its boeing 777 and A330 fleet.
Recently United airlines ordered A350-900 to replace its boeing 777 fleet.