New, quieter aircraft coming to MSP!

The Airbus A350 is a long-range, wide-bodied, twin-engine airline aircraft. With improved aerodynamics, new generation engines and the use of lightweight materials, Airbus reports that the A350 has been designed to be 25 percent more fuel efficient and 40 percent quieter than previous generations of aircraft. The A350-900 is certified at 21 EPNdB (Effective Perceived Noise Decibel) below FAA Stage 3 requirements, making it one of the quietest aircraft in this aircraft family flown today.

The A350 will be operated by Delta Airlines for flights from MSP to Seoul, South Korea beginning in late October. Delta plans to use an A350 beginning in March 2020 for flights to Tokyo’s Haneda airport and Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. Previously, Delta submitted a proposal to the US DOT to launch service from MSP to Shanghai, China beginning in June 2020. An Airbus A350 would also serve the proposed Shanghai route.