Airbus Readies A350 XWB For First Customer Qatar Airways

Following the A350-900’s recent EASA Type Certification, Airbus and Qatar Airways teams are working together to ensure a smooth hand-over process for the first customer aircraft, with the final steps before delivery including cabin completion, as well as ground and flight tests. © Airbus S.A.S. 2014 – photo by master filems/JB. Accariez

The first A350 XWB for Qatar Airways is progressing towards delivery before year end, according to an announcement by Airbus.

The aircraft equipped with Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines recently rolled out of the Airbus factory in Toulouse fully painted, prominently bearing Qatar Airways’ livery.

The initial next-generation A350 XWB jetliner for global launch customer Qatar Airways rolls out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France adorned with its complete airline livery. © Airbus S.A.S. 2014 – photo by master filems/JB. Accariez

Following the recent EASA Type Certification, the Qatar Airways A350-900 is now entering into its final stage of production during which Airbus and the airline teams are actively working together in order to ensure a seamless hand-over process. The remaining steps up to delivery comprise notably the cabin completion as well as ground and flight tests.

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range product line and the newest member of Airbus’ leading widebody family. The A350 XWB stands out in its class thanks to its combination of passenger comfort, technological innovation and its unique industrial process. Built hand-in-hand with Airbus’ customers, the A350 XWB sets new standards in terms of passenger experience, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

At the end of September 2014, the A350 XWB had won 750 orders from 39 customers worldwide.