Airbus A350 XWB – The first A350 XWB has begun final assembly at Airbus, Toulouse, France.
A brand-new assembly line has been constructed for production of this state-of-the-art aircraft, which represents a new family of mid-size wide body airliners for Airbus.
The Airbus A350 XWB is a highly efficient aircraft which is the result of the latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies providing up to 25 percent better fuel efficiency and improved operating costs compared to existing aircraft in the same size category.
Advanced materials make-up over 70 percent of the Airbus A350 XWB; comprising: carbon composite (53 percent), titanium and advanced aluminium alloys. The fuselage is constructed from an innovative all-new Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), adding to the weight advantage of the A350 and providing easier long term maintenance.
Whilst this first A350 XWB airframe will be used for the static structural tests that all new aircraft must undergo as part of their certification process, the assembly of the first flying version of the A350 XWB is due for this summer (2012).
The A350 XWB Family consists of three passenger versions with true long-range capability of flying up to 8,500nm/15,580km. It is not confirmed yet if there are orders for VIP variants of this aircraft; as soon as we have this information we will brings you the news here on the aircraft completions blog.