European aerospace giant Airbus has secured the type certification for the stretched variant of its A350 XWB, the -1000, enabling the first delivery to be made to launch customer Qatar Airways. Although a little later than originally planned Airbus says it is planing to hand over the jet before the end of the year.
Antonio da Costa, Airbus Head of Product Marketing, outlined the A350 XWB programme to date, saying the company has received 858 commitments from 45 customers, including one for a ACJ350 XWB from an as-yet undisclosed corporate client. He said it was interesting to note that more than half of the major A350 XWB customers have ordered both variants – the -900 and -1000.
Airbus used three A350- 1000 flight-test aircraft during the variant’s development. After more than 1,600 hours of flying, EASA and FAA awarded the variant its type certificate on November 21. KEY-BARRY WOODS-TURNER