Amanda Jacob

Global audience views Airbus A350 XWB’s first flight

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The Airbus A350 XWB that performed the 14 June 2013 maiden flight is designated MSN1 and is an A350-900 version. (Picture © Airbus.)
The Airbus A350 XWB that performed the 14 June 2013 maiden flight is designated MSN1 and is an A350-900 version. (Picture © Airbus.)
The aircraft landed back at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport at 2:05 p.m. local time on 14 June 2013 after successfully completing its first flight, which lasted four hours and five minutes. (Picture © Airbus.)
The aircraft landed back at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport at 2:05 p.m. local time on 14 June 2013 after successfully completing its first flight, which lasted four hours and five minutes. (Picture © Airbus.)

The Airbus A350 XWB that performed the 14 June 2013 maiden flight is designated MSN1 and is an A350-900 version, equipped with two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This is the mid-family member of the A350 XWB Family, designed to accommodate 314 passengers in a typical three-class configuration.

The aircraft began its takeoff roll at 10:00 a.m from Runway 32L at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, France. After completing its 4-hour, 5-minute maiden flight, the A350 XWB performed a flyby of Toulouse-Blagnac Airport before landing on Runway 32L.

“The A350 XWB is fantastic and impressive,” said John Leahy moments after the historic takeoff. “Did you hear how quiet it was? We’re going to set new standards with the A350 XWB – not just for comfort and performance, but for environmental friendliness as well.”

Five aircraft will participate in the A350-900’s 2,500-flight hour test and certification programme in support of this first A350 XWB version to enter airline service.