Make way in the air for a new member of Airbus’ family. Measuring almost 243 feet from nose to tail, the first A350-1000 test aircraft will take its first flight later this year, according to Airbus.
“Take a look inside Airbus’ Toulouse, France paint shop as the first A350-1000 version receives its ‘colours,’’’ Airbus said about a video of its crew painting the new aircraft. “The A350-1000 is the longest-fuselage member of the highly efficient A350 XWB widebody product line.”
The A350-1000 is a little larger than the A350-900, can sit 366 passengers, has 18-inch wide economy class seats and features the most powerful engine ever developed for an Airbus craft. The A350-900 is flown by carriers including Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. Qatar Airways will be the first airline to commercially debut the Airbus A350-1000 in 2017.
Amenities for the A350-1000 include a “super business class,” with sliding doors for privacy and double beds available.
According to the company’s website, there are 195 orders of the A350-1000 as of August.
Lauren Spiler is a freelance journalist based in Athens, Georgia, but most call her Spiler.