First Japan Airlines A350 XWB makes maiden flight

The first A350-900 for Japan Airlines (JAL) has successfully completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France. The A350-900 is the first aircraft to be produced by Airbus for the airline and features a special A350 logo on the fuselage.

The aircraft will now enter the final phase of production, including cabin completion, as well as further ground and flight tests leading to customer acceptance and delivery.

Altogether JAL has ordered 31 A350 XWB aircraft, comprising 18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s. The A350-900 will initially be operated by JAL on major domestic routes, with a three-class configuration seating 369 passengers.

The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and eco-efficient aircraft family shaping the future of air travel. It is the long-range leader in the large widebody market (300 to 400+ seats). The A350 XWB brings a 25% reduction in fuel burn and emissions and features the Airspace by Airbus cabin for the most comfortable flying experience.

At the end of April 2019, the A350 XWB Family had received 893 firm orders from 51 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.