A350

First A350 XWB parts arrive at final assembly line in Toulouse

Airbus has delivered the first major airframe section to the A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, France. The 21-metre-long front fuselage section, delivered from Airbus in Saint-Nazaire,  is destined to become part of the A350 XWB static test airframe. … Continue reading

Airbus starts joining the first A350 XWB front fuselage

Airbus has started joining the first 21-metre long front fuselage section for the A350 XWB in Saint-Nazaire, France. This phase will continue over the coming weeks, and once completed, the front fuselage will be transported by Beluga to the A350… Continue reading

Airbus starts making the wings for first A350 XWB

Assembly of the 32 metre long carbon fibre wings for the first A350 XWB (MSN1) has started at Airbus’ recently opened “North Factory” in Broughton, UK.

Most of the A350 XWB wing is made of light-weight carbon composites, including the… Continue reading

Airbus video impression of new A350 XWB interior

With its brand new fuselage cross section, the A350 XWB provides passengers with superior comfort in all classes. The combination of cabin spaciousness, wide seats, and innovative moodlighting creates a unique feeling of well-being and ensures that all passengers arrive… Continue reading

Airbus sets priority on section maturity for smooth A350 XWB production ramp-up

Airbus pre Final Assembly Line (FAL) activities have started although with some delay due to the late availability of some key composite and detailed parts. The start of the FAL is now scheduled for the first quarter of 2012. Entry… Continue reading

A350 XWB horizontal tailplane assembled by Airbus in Getafe (Spain)

Airbus has started the assembly of the first A350 XWB’s horizontal taiplane (HTP) in Getafe (Spain). The joining of the two lateral boxes will produce the 17 metre span primary structure of the HTP.

Structural assembly will continue over the… Continue reading

A350 XWB’s Trent engine rolls-out for initial flight tests

Airbus has completed installation of the first Rolls-Royce Trent XWB flight-test engine on the A380 “flying-testbed” aircraft (MSN 001). The aircraft is depicted here at Airbus’ Jean-Luc Lagardère site in Toulouse where the engine was mounted. The aircraft and engine… Continue reading

The first A350 XWB forward fuselage takes shape

Airbus aerostructures partner Premium Aerotec has successfully put together the first forward fuselage for the A350 XWB at Nordenham, Germany. The impressive all-composite fuselage is 13 metres long and comprises four panels and the floor grid. Structural assembly work will… Continue reading

First A350 XWB nose section coming together in St Nazaire

The first A350 XWB nose section was transported to Airbus in St Nazaire by Beluga from Airbus partner, Aerolia’s site in Méaulte. The A350 XWB nose section comprises three main sub-assemblies: the cockpit plus upper and lower forward fuselage parts,… Continue reading

Airbus in Illescas delivers first A350 XWB Wing Lower Cover to Airbus in Broughton

Produced at Airbus’ Centre of Excellence for composite materials in Spain

16 September 2011

The first A350 XWB wing lower cover (WLC) has been transported from Airbus’ composites manufacturing site in Illescas, Spain, to Airbus’ wing assembly site in Broughton,… Continue reading

Air France-KLM to acquire up to 60 A350 XWBs

A350XWB continues to attract world class airlines

16 September 2011

The Air France-KLM Group has announced its intention to sign for up to 60 A350 XWB aircraft, of which 25 A350-900 will be firmed up shortly. The aircraft will become… Continue reading

Airbus, Goodrich and VSMPO-AVISMA reinforce their partnership on the A350 XWB programme

Confirms VSMPO’s strategic position within the EADS/Airbus supply chain
Blagnac, 16 August 2011

Airbus, the leading aircraft manufacturer, Goodrich Corporation, the global supplier of systems and services to the aerospace and defence markets and VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation, the Russian titanium manufacturer,… Continue reading