Whilst airlines continue to refit older aircraft, Airbus is forging ahead with the Airbus A350 project, release a lot of pretty pictures of the first A350 that has been fitted with a cabin (as opposed to test equipment).
MSN002 is the first Airbus A350 aircraft to have a passenger cabin fitted.
Lets take a look at the pictures:
Inside the test cabins – testing the load, seat design and data from them – Images Airbus.
The Business Class Cabin looks rather interesting, in a staggered 2-4-2 across, with direct isle access from each seat.
Meanwhile in Economy, Airbus is pushing its 18″ seat width seats, with a nine across cabin in the demo
Images – Airbus
Of course, this is just a demonstration interior. How other airlines will choose to for out their aircraft has yet to be revealed.
Airbus are continuing to make a big push of its 18″ seat width as part of its comfort campaign. Whilst Airbus do offer the A350XWB with 3-4-3, there have been no takers of this seating configuration… yet.
MSN002 will be joined by a 2nd aircraft – MSN005 in its test campaign. MSN002 will be used to conduct a series of “Early Long Flights” with its cabin accommodating real passengers, testing cabin tempetures and the In Flight Entertainment (IFE) Systems. MSN005 will be used for for route proving flights, checking the plane is compliant.
The A350 is due to enter service this year – in the latter part of 2014, with Qatar Airways being the launch customer.