Airbus says the A350 XWB development programme is on track for certification in the third quarter of 2014, to be followed by delivery of the first customer aircraft to Qatar Airways in the fourth quarter.
As of 20 June, the A350 XWB programme had achieved more than 2000 flight-test hours in around 500 flights, the highest flying rate ever achieved in Airbus flight tests with around 80 flight hours per aircraft per month.
- The A350 XWB made its maiden flight in June 2013. Composite materials are used in primary structures including the the fuselage, wing and empennage.
