Does anyone know the true cruising speed of the A350 (not the manufacturer's stated figure)? With QF planning a lot of ULR flights, the cruise speed becomes critical because of crew duty limitations. The B787 is a true M0.85 cruise and can cruise faster without significant fuel penalty. That is what the A350 must cruise at to be able to operate the sectors that QF management are planning which are near the crew duty limits (a CASA exemption will be required for some sectors).
Airbus always insisted that the A380 would climb to F350 at max weight and cruise at M0.85 - yes, it can do that, but not in an operational sense so it's desirable to know what the true capabilities of the A350 are.
Is the 777 included in the new QF LH EBA as the 787, being a common type rating?
GG, the new EBA is specific that those conditions are for the B787 only so if any other type (eg B777X or A350) is ordered, then negotiations will have to held to determine the T's & C's for the new type.