Air Europa Makes Tentative Move Toward A350

DUBAI—Spanish carrier Air Europa has signed a memorandum of understanding covering up to 40 Airbus A350-900s that will form the core of its future twin-aisle fleet.

Airbus announced the deal with the SkyTeam carrier, which operates Boeing 787s as part of an all-Boeing fleet, on the second day of this year’s Dubai Airshow. Airbus said the A350-900 will be the “backbone” of the Madrid-based carrier’s long-haul fleet replacement.

“This order is a strategic milestone in Air Europa’s fleet development, accelerating its profitable growth by renewal of the current widebody fleet,” Air Europa President Juan Jose Hidalgo said. “The A350-900 is a game-changer for key destinations in Latin America.”

Neither party indicated how many of the up to 40 aircraft commitments could become firm orders. Air Europa would join its new investor, Turkish Airlines, in operating the A350-900.