As Airbus A350s begin to roll out of the factory at a slightly faster pace, two bits of A350 news happened.
Firstly, the first A350 for Finnair took flight for the first time.
Finnair Airbus A350-900 taking off for the first time – Image, Airbus.
For this aircraft, it now enters the final stages of preparation for delivery to Finnair – including further flight tests and ground testing.
Finnair will be looking closely, as the aircraft is due for delivery in the coming weeks – with the airline scheduling trial services across Europe, before sending it long haul to Shanghai.
This aircraft will the first of 19 frames that will join the Finnair fleet.
Finnair will be the launch customer of the A350 in Europe. Of course, Qatar Airways was first to operate an A350 to Europe (and it’s pretty nice aboard… see my trip report here and here)
Secondly, the first Airbus A350 for TAM rolled out the paint shop, looking rather shiny for itself (although missing a pair of engines).
TAM Airbus A350 rolls out of the paint shop – Image, Airbus
This plane still has a lot of work to be carried out – as well as the engines – the plane will need to have its interior fitted, cockpit fitted and tests before it can take to the sky.
TAM is due to take delivery of their first Airbus A350 in December – the first of twenty seven aircraft that will join their long haul fleet. The airline will be the launch carrier for the A350 in Americas too.
TAM have hopes for this aircraft, with it to commence operations between Sao Paulo and Manaus in January, abd between Sao Paulo and Miami and Sao Paulo and Madrid.
Or maybe TAM just likes to book routes for their upcoming A350s to places beginning with M….
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