As the Airbus A350 continues to move from a test aircraft into an aircraft that will carry paying passengers in the sky, more new production aircraft are being built.
The first aircraft as we all know is for Qatar Airways (who are planning to accept their aicraft on the 22nd December subject to the usual last minute hicups). However, other airlines are still waiting in the wings for their aircraft.
Finnair is one of those airlines, with its first A350-900 entering the Final Assembly Line in Toulouse.
A fuselage section transferring to the final assembly line – Image, Airbus
The nose and forward sections moving into the final assembly line – Image, Airbus.
Finnar’s order is important, as it will be the 3rd operator of the Airbus A350 – but also the first European airline to operate the new aircraft.
The aircraft has many more stages to go, including the wing join, installation of the cabin, system tests, engine installation and painting before it takes to flight testing.
The airline has 19 of the type on order, with delivery of the first aircraft due in autumn 2015 be used on its long haul Asia and America networks.
It’s another step forward for the type, and for the airlines who are expecting the brand new plane to serve the routes they expect… filled with passengers to pay for the plane.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – The new name for GhettoIFE (and a lot more pronounceable). Expect in-depth coverage, analysis, route news as well as humour and madness as I only know how.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European readers.