Airbus started final assembly of the first A350-1000 on schedule at the A350 XWB FAL in Toulouse. The first A350-1000, one of three flight test aircraft to be built, will do its maiden flight before the end of 2016. Airbus plans deliveries of the A350-1000 will start in mid-2017.
To ensure the smooth integration of the A350-1000 into the FAL while A350-900 production is ramping-up,
Airbus has added three additional final assembly stations. For maximum flexibility, all stations in the A350
XWB FAL can be used for either model.
Currently at “Station 50” for fuselage join-up and nose landing gear installation, the first A350-1000 will next
move to “Station 40” where the wings, main landing gear, pylons and tail planes will be installed. To save
time and optimize the A350 assembly process, Airbus starts the cabin furnishing and first electrical power-on
in parallel to the structural assembly work. After this stage is completed, the aircraft continues through the
FAL process, with final structural activities, ground tests, painting, cabin & cockpit completion and engines
installation before being transferred to the flight test center.
While having a high degree of commonality with the A350-900, the A350-1000, (measuring nearly 74
meters from nose to tail) is the longest fuselage version of Airbus’ the A350 family. Airbus has won 181 A350-1000 orders from 10 customers.
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