The first A350-900 for Finnair is taking shape in the Roger Béteille Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. Finnair will be the first European airline to fly the A350 XWB and the third operator in the world. Scheduled for delivery in autumn 2015 the aircraft is now in the fuselage section joining phase. Following this, the aircraft will move to wing junction, cabin installation and first power-on, all achieved in one single station. Once these phases are completed, the … [Read more...] about Finnair's first A350 XWB takes shape
A350 XWB
Airbus to develop five new Belugas
To industrially accompany the A350 XWB ramp-up and other aircraft production rate increases, Airbus took the decision to launch the development and production of five new Belugas. The new Beluga will be based on the A330 with a large re-use of existing components and equipment. The distinctive looking lowered cockpit, the cargo bay structure and the rear-end and tail will be amongst the items which will be newly developed. The first of the five new Belugas will enter in service in … [Read more...] about Airbus to develop five new Belugas
A350 XWB embarks on demo tour of Asia
New airliner A350-900 took off today from Toulouse for its very first demo tour taking it on an 11-day trip around Asia. This Asian Demo Tour follows the completion of the A350-900 flight test campaign which recently led to the EASA and FAA type certification. After visiting Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia earlier this year during the route proving certification exercise, the A350-900 will now visit more airports and customers in Asia Pacific to demonstrate the aircraft’s … [Read more...] about A350 XWB embarks on demo tour of Asia
QR’s first A350 completes maiden test flight
The first customer A350-900 which will be delivered to Qatar Airways has successfully completed its maiden flight. The flight was the first time an A350 XWB configured for a customer has taken to the sky. Following the successful flight, Qatar’s A350 XWB will continue its production phase before delivery. Qatar Airways will become the first operator of the A350 XWB when it takes delivery of its first aircraft later this year. The airline has 80 A350s on order, including 43 A350-900 and … [Read more...] about QR’s first A350 completes maiden test flight
QR's first A350 completes maiden test flight
The first customer A350-900 which will be delivered to Qatar Airways has successfully completed its maiden flight. The flight was the first time an A350 XWB configured for a customer has taken to the sky. Following the successful flight, Qatar’s A350 XWB will continue its production phase before delivery. Qatar Airways will become the first operator of the A350 XWB when it takes delivery of its first aircraft later this year. The airline has 80 A350s on order, including 43 A350-900 and … [Read more...] about QR's first A350 completes maiden test flight
First A350 XWB for Viet Air enters final assembly
Final assembly of the first A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines has begun at the Roger Béteille Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. Scheduled for delivery in mid-2015, Vietnam Air will become the first Asian airline and the second operator in the world to fly the A350 XWB. Vietnam Airlines has a total of 10 A350 XWB on order. The widebody aircraft will be operated on the carrier’s premium long range services. The five A350 test aircraft currently flying have … [Read more...] about First A350 XWB for Viet Air enters final assembly