newstodate.aero
Feb 13, 2014 (newstodate): The Airbus A350 aircraft is now about one-third through its extensive test and certification program, and ahead of schedule.
So far, the three test aircraft have logged some 1,000 flight hours of the program estimated to require about 3,000 flight hours, and the aircraft has reportedly not experienced major snags or unexpected performance.
This might bode well for the new aircraft's entry into commercial service with launch customer Qatar Airways, slated for late in Q4, 2014.
Actually, Qatar's CEO has hinted that as the certification program for the aircraft is ahead of schedule, the carrier might see the delivery of its first aircraft one or two months earlier than predicted, about October or November 2014.
So far, Airbus has fetched 814 firm orders for the Airbus A350 XWB.
So far, the three test aircraft have logged some 1,000 flight hours of the program estimated to require about 3,000 flight hours, and the aircraft has reportedly not experienced major snags or unexpected performance.
This might bode well for the new aircraft's entry into commercial service with launch customer Qatar Airways, slated for late in Q4, 2014.
Actually, Qatar's CEO has hinted that as the certification program for the aircraft is ahead of schedule, the carrier might see the delivery of its first aircraft one or two months earlier than predicted, about October or November 2014.
So far, Airbus has fetched 814 firm orders for the Airbus A350 XWB.