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The Airbus A350 XWB is a family of long-range,
two-engined wide-body jet airliners developed by
European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. The A350
is the first Airbus with both fuselage and wing
structures made primarily of
carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. It can carry
250 to 350 passengers in a typical three-class
seating layout, or maximum seating of 440 to 550
passengers, depending on variant.
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 (extra wide
body). Airbus stated that it will be more
fuel-efficient and have operating costs up to 8%
lower than the competing Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
There are currently four test aircraft flying in
the A350 XWB program. Together they have
accumulated around 1,600 flight test hours in
more than 350 flights. The certification process
for the program is progressing on schedule,
certification is anticipated in the third
quarter of 2014 with entry into service in the
fourth quarter of this year. |
