Airbus says that the approval includes provisions for ‘ETOPS 300min’ and ‘ETOPS 370min’ depending on individual operator selection. The latter option extends the diversion distance up to 3,700 km (2,500 nm), a distance which corresponds to a maximum ETOPS diversion flying time for the A350 of approximately 370 minutes, at one-engine-inoperative speed under standard atmospheric conditions.
This option will enable A350 operators to serve new direct non-limiting routings. "The ETOPS 370min option will be of particular benefit for new direct southern routes such as between Australia, South Africa and South America." says Airbus in a press release, "while the ETOPS 300min option will facilitate more efficient transoceanic routes across the North and Mid-Pacific – such as from South East Asia to the US, and Australasia to the US."
"Meanwhile, operators flying on existing routes (currently flown with up to 180 minute diversion time) will be able to traverse a straighter and consequently quicker and more fuel efficient path, and also have access to more – and possibly better equipped – en-route diversion airports if needed."
('ETOPS' is a set of rules initially introduced by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in the mid-1980s to allow commercial operations with twin-engine aircraft on routes beyond 60min flying time from the nearest airport and which were previously operated only by aircraft with more than two engines. These rules, which are now named “EDTO” (Extended Diversion Time Operations) by ICAO have been progressively revised to allow operations beyond 180 min diversion time. Airbus claims that in 2009, the Airbus A330 became the first airliner to gain an ETOPS ‘Beyond 180min’ certification, when it was granted an ETOPS 240min certification by EASA.)
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