Airbus has begun final assembly of the first A350-900 for Singapore Airlines at its facilities in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the first of 70 A350 XWBs ordered by the airline and is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2016. The A350 XWB will form a major part of the future Singapore Airlines fleet and will be operated on the carrier’s medium and long-haul routes.

The aircraft is now in the initial fuselage section joining phase. Following this, it will move in before the end of the month to the next assembly station for wing junction, start of cabin installation and first power-on.

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range aircraft family and the latest member of the manufacturer’s widebody family.