We reported earlier this week about the possibility of an entirely new aircraft making its first flight at the Paris Air Show. As expected, the Airbus A350 XWB made its inaugural flight on Friday, at one of the world’s biggest air shows. This was the first entirely new aircraft from Airbus in over six years, and is perceived as a direct rival for Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. On board the aircraft for its maiden flight were four engineers and two test pilots.
The first Airbus A350 XWB flight took off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport at 10 a.m. and landed about an hour and a half later. As the aircraft powered down the runway, it was cheered on by enthusiastic Airbus employees as well as members of the media. The engines for this aircraft were purpose built for it by Rolls Royce, they’re called Trent XWB engines and are deemed to be the most efficient in the world. Airbus has already received orders for 600 A350 XWBs from a variety of customers, it would surely be looking to substantially increase that number at the Paris Air Show.
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