Assembly of the main airframe sections of the first A350 XWB for China Airlines is advancing at Airbus’ Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. This involves the assembly of the wing-fuselage junction, the installation of the tailplane and also the tailcone. The aircraft will then be moved to the next assembly station for structural completion, ground testing of mechanical, electrical and avionics systems, and then the start of cabin installation. First delivery of Airbus’ latest … [Read more...] about First China Airlines A350XWB takes shape
A350 XWB
Finnair’s first A350 XWB makes its maiden flight
The first A350 XWB for Finnair has completed its first flight in Toulouse. The aircraft will now enter the final production phase including further ground checks and flight tests. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks. Finnair will become the first airline in Europe to operate the A350 XWB and the third operator in the world. Finnair has purchased a total of 19 A350 XWBs and will operate its fleet on premium long haul routes, beginning with services between Helsinki … [Read more...] about Finnair’s first A350 XWB makes its maiden flight
Airbus begins A330neo production
Airbus’ first A330neo is coming to life one year after the programme was launched, with the first 'cutting of metal' underway at its production facilities in Toulouse and Nantes. Machining of the first engine pylon started during the summer at Airbus’ facility in Saint-Eloi (Toulouse), while Airbus’ Plant in Nantes began production of the first A330neo centre wing box. The first A330neo Centre Wing Box rib 1 produced in Nantes uses an innovative Isogrid design with 330 triangular pockets … [Read more...] about Airbus begins A330neo production
Airbus’ next gen A350-1000 takes shape
The wings for Airbus’ first A350-1000 have begun the process of assembly at Broughton, UK. The A350-1000 wing has the same span of the A350-900 that is already in service, but 90 per cent of the parts have been modified and the trailing edge has been extended to resize the wing for the additional payload and range. At 32 metres long by six metres wide, the A350 XWB wing is the largest single part made from carbon fibre composite material in use in civil aviation today. They are designed and … [Read more...] about Airbus’ next gen A350-1000 takes shape
Airbus' next gen A350-1000 takes shape
The wings for Airbus’ first A350-1000 have begun the process of assembly at Broughton, UK. The A350-1000 wing has the same span of the A350-900 that is already in service, but 90 per cent of the parts have been modified and the trailing edge has been extended to resize the wing for the additional payload and range. At 32 metres long by six metres wide, the A350 XWB wing is the largest single part made from carbon fibre composite material in use in civil aviation today. They are designed and … [Read more...] about Airbus' next gen A350-1000 takes shape
Garuda signs LOI for 30 A350 XWB
Garuda Indonesia has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Airbus for the purchase of 30 A350 XWB aircraft. Garuda Indonesia plans to use the A350 XWB to develop its medium and long haul network, with the aircraft offering the ability to fly non-stop from Jakarta or Bali to Europe. Arif Wibowo, CEO of Garuda Indonesia, said: “Following our success in revitalising our regional operation in Asia and the Pacific, the development of our long haul network will be a priority in the coming … [Read more...] about Garuda signs LOI for 30 A350 XWB