.... and she's looking rather nice in Airbus house colours: Images - Airbus S.A.S. MSN001 is getting though tests, engine installations and is being prepared for the finally battery of tests it will need to go under to allow clearance for its first flight this summer. And depending what products are installed in this plane, this could become a … [Read more...]
IAG to add 18 Airbus A350-1000’s to its British Airways fleet
IAG (International Airlines Group) is to place an order with Airbus for 18 A350-1000 aircraft, with options for 18 more aircraft. The order is part of IAG's long-haul aircraft fleet renewal and modernisation strategy (which saw a big 787 order earlier this year). In addition, the order has secured commercial terms and delivery slots that could lead to firm orders for Iberia … [Read more...]
A350 Watch: MSN1 gets engines
From one new plane to another as we keep a beady eye on Airbus and the work going on with the upcoming Airbus A350-900. The good news is today that the first A350-900 - MSN1 has got a pair of flight ready engines, with the first one hung on it. Pictures are always good so lets have some: Ready to be hung Being installed onto the aircraft Slung onto … [Read more...]
A350 Watch: MSN1 rolls out with wings, ready for testing
It's time to turn our attention to the other major player in the big airplane game - Airbus - and their upcoming Airbus A350. The First Flying A350 - MSN1 - Images Airbus SAS This first frame now is structurally complete with its wing and winglets, as well as fairing panels and the main landing gear doors. The plane has also completed a series of indoor tests, … [Read more...]
Airbus to abandon Li-Ion Batteries for the A350
The fallout continues from the Boeing 787 battery incident, with the other major aviation player Airbus deciding to abandon the use of Lithium Ion batteries about its new A350, whilst going back to nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries as a "risk reduction strategy" according to Flight This will apply to the production aircraft - however MSN1 (the first Airbus A350), as well as … [Read more...]
Singapore Airlines firms up more A380’s and A350’s
Time to turn our attention away from the Boeing 787 and turn to the other new big aircraft in the air/in development. Singapore Airlines has finalised an order with Airbus for five A380's and 20 A350-900 aircraft, with a list price of US$7.5 Billion. This will boosts the Singapore Airlines cadre of A380's to 24 aircraft - with 19 in operation at the moment. Only Emirates … [Read more...]
Airbus completes the first flying A350 frame
For those who like shiny new planes and are now at a loss now the 787 has finally rolled out, lets turn our attention to the Airbus A350XWB. Airbus has completed the first frame of its new A350XWB that will be certified to fly as part of the test campaign. Images - Airbus SAS The frame - MSN001 exited the assembly line in Toulouse, and has been through work … [Read more...]