Airbus prepares to deliver A350 XWB to Qatar Airways

Following the recent EASA Type Certification, the Qatar Airways A350-900 is now entering into its final stage of production during which Airbus and the airline teams are actively working together in order to ensure a seamless hand-over process. The remaining steps up to delivery comprise notably the cabin completion as well as ground and flight tests. 

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range product line and the newest member of Airbus' leading widebody family. The A350 XWB stands out in its class thanks to its combination of passenger comfort, technological innovation and its unique industrial process. Built hand-in-hand with our customers, the A350 XWB sets new standards in terms of passenger experience, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. At the end of September 2014, the A350 XWB had won 750 orders from 39 customers worldwide. 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Qatar Airways' first Airbus A350-900 looks a step closer to delivery with the roll out of their first example. Owing to a high standard of quality demanded by the airline as seen on its delayed acceptance of its A380s, Qatar Airways' first A350-900 will be tricked out with cabin fittings and furnishings before a series of quality checks, functional tests and customer flight tests will occur prior to formal delivery. 

“Like the 787, the A350 program has been delayed and Qatar Airways is keen to induct this new fuel-efficient jet to further bolster its fleet and reduce its operational costs.” 

Ahmad added: “With certification now granted on the A350-900, Airbus will no doubt be throwing all their resources behind the stretched A350-1000, a competitor-of-sorts to the bigger 777X family, of which Qatar Airways has orders for all these variants - as it looks to stay on track with getting the A350-1000 into service by no later than 2017.”