Finnair’s First A350 XWB Makes its Maiden Flight
Toulouse, September 17, 2015: Finnair will become the first airline in Europe to operate the A350 XWB and the third operator in the world. Finnair has acquired a total of 19 Airbus A350 XWBs and will operate its fleet on premium long haul routes, beginning with services between Helsinki and Shanghai.
The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range aircraft family and the newest member of Airbus’ leading widebody family. The aircraft is powered by the new Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, generating 25% lower CO2 emissions (lowest carbon emissions of any wide body power plant). Exterior noise levels are 21 EPNdB (Effective Perceived Noise Decibel) below ICAO Chapter-4 requirements.
70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials combining composites (53%), titanium and modern aluminium alloys. Composite materials are corrosion and fatigue free resulting in easier maintenance; titanium is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant substitute for steel. The A350 XWB offers a 25% step change in fuel efficiency and a 25% lower seat-mile cost compared to current aluminium long-range aircraft.
The A350 XWB had received 782 Firm orders from 40 customers as of August 2015.
The first A350 XWB for Finnair has completed its first flight in Toulouse. The aircraft will now enter the final production phase including further ground checks and flight tests. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks.
Source: Airbus