An Asian customer has placed a firm order for an Airbus A350XWB Prestige, in what is the second commitment for the newest member of the Airbus corporate jetliner family (building on an earlier commitment from another customer that was announced during the Dubai airshow).

The A350-900 will feature a luxurious VIP interior, and will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. The choice of cabin-outfitter has yet to be announced.

BAA Jet Management of Hong Kong has been chosen to manage the A350XWB Prestige on behalf of the customer, and will base the aircraft in Hong Kong.

"We are delighted to be expanding in the VIP widebody field with this latest VIP version of the Airbus A350XWB, which will join the one that we are already engaged to manage for C Jet Ltd - as well as several Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) Family aircraft," says BAA Jet Management Vice Chairman Jay Shaw.

Airbus corporate jets range from the Airbus ACJ Family, comprising the A318 Elite, ACJ and A320 Prestige, all the way up through VIP versions of the A330, A340, and even the double-deck A380. They are the newest offerings in their class, delivering unmatched quality, value and reliability to customers looking to trade up from older and more traditional business jets.

"This order for the VIP version of the A350XWB marks the opening of a new market for our all-new eco-efficient aircraft," says Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy. "The A350 is already very successful with airline customers and leasing companies. We are also convinced that it is ideal for Heads of States as well as government officials and other VIPs for their long distance travel, as it offers both the cabin space as well as the range to comfortably reach virtually any part of the world non-stop".

Airbus' A350XWB has more range and more cabin width and floorspace than any other aircraft in its class, making it a great VIP aircraft on long to very long routes, while burning much less fuel, reducing emissions, and being extremely quiet. It features even more of the passenger-pleasing innovations that have become the hallmark of the Airbus advantage in the modern airliner world.

Airbus has the world's most modern airliner family - none of the aircraft that it makes today were in service 20 years ago - allowing it to deliver the many benefits that come from new designs.

Firm orders for the Airbus A350XWB airliner now stand at more than 300 firm orders, with a prestigious and growing customer-base that includes bell-weather airlines such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

Around 150 single-aisle and wide-body Airbus aircraft are now in VIP and government service around the world, from Asia to Antarctica, delivering efficient, economically responsible and reliable service to high net-worth individuals, companies and governments.