Airbus confirmed that its A350 XWB twinjet airliner will make its first flight on Friday, 14th June, based on current visibility of the prog...
The A350 XWB flight test teams are currently carrying out the last checks on the A350 XWB “MSN1” before they give their final green light for the first flight. Recent pre-first flight tests successfully carried out include the first power up of the fuel efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines on MSN1, which took place on June 2nd. Airbus has also completed a series of ground, taxiing and braking tests - at low and high speeds - with MSN1, one of five A350s that will conduct the flight-test program.
The A350 XWB is the all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The new family will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft inthis size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. Scheduled for entry-into-service in second half of 2014, the A350 XWB has won 613 firm orders from 33 customers worldwide.
