newstodate.aero
Oct 07, 2013 (newstodate): Airbus has scored a remarkable success in the Japanese market where the leading carrier, JAL has traditionally been a firm Boeing customer for long-haul aircraft.
Japan Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for 31 A350 XWB aircraft, 18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000, plus options for a further 25 aircraft.
JAL and Airbus aim for entry into service from 2019, with the airline's A350 XWB gradually replacing its ageing fleet approximately over a six year period.
The order marks the first acquisition of Airbus aircraft.
To date, the A350 XWB MSN1 has completed around 300 flight test hours out of the campaign's total 2,500 hours which are to be achieved by five flight test A350 aircraft over the next 12 months.
The second Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, MSN3, is also now readying for its first flight.
Entry into commercial service of the A350-900 is scheduled for the second half of 2014.
With this latest commitment, Airbus has recorded more than 760 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 38 customers worldwide.
With 979 orders placed for Boeing's competing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus is steadily narrowing the gap between the two aircraft.
Japan Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for 31 A350 XWB aircraft, 18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000, plus options for a further 25 aircraft.
JAL and Airbus aim for entry into service from 2019, with the airline's A350 XWB gradually replacing its ageing fleet approximately over a six year period.
The order marks the first acquisition of Airbus aircraft.
To date, the A350 XWB MSN1 has completed around 300 flight test hours out of the campaign's total 2,500 hours which are to be achieved by five flight test A350 aircraft over the next 12 months.
The second Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, MSN3, is also now readying for its first flight.
Entry into commercial service of the A350-900 is scheduled for the second half of 2014.
With this latest commitment, Airbus has recorded more than 760 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 38 customers worldwide.
With 979 orders placed for Boeing's competing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus is steadily narrowing the gap between the two aircraft.