Qatar Airways’ first A350 XWB completes its maiden 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; this includes cabin completion as well as further ground and flight tests.

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 37 of the larger A350-1000 models. With a cross-section of 220 inches from armrest to armrest, the A350’s cabin provides the widest seats in its category, offering its passengers a unique experience of space and comfort.

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 our 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.

Source and image: Airbus