The Airbus A350 XWB is a family of long-range, two-engined wide-body jet airliners, and the the first Airbus with both fuselage and wing structures made primarily of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. It has just successfully completed its maiden flight. Continue reading for a video, more pictures, and additional information.
The A350 was originally conceived in 2004 as a largely new design, but with a fuselage based on the A330. This was rejected by some prospective customers. In 2006, Airbus redesigned the aircraft and renamed it the A350 XWB (for extra wide body). Airbus stated that it will be more fuel-efficient and have operating costs up to 8% lower than the Boeing 787.
The launch customer for the A350 is Qatar Airways, which ordered 80 aircraft across the three variants. Development costs are projected to be €12 billion (US$15 billion or £10 billion). The airliner is scheduled to enter airline service in mid-2014. As of February 2013, 617 aircraft have been ordered. On June 14, 2013 the A350 made its debut flight at Toulouse, France.
