Finnair’s first A350 XWB makes its maiden flight

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.

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 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 A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft family, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for passengers, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for airlines. The A350 XWB had received 782 Firm orders from 40 customers as of August 2015.