Airbus A350 to make maiden flight on June 14

Jun 12, 2013 11:27 AM PHT

Agence France-Presse

SUMMARY

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French aircraft maker Airbus says its new long-haul carrier, the A350, is scheduled to make its maiden flight on Friday, June 14, after having successfully passed a series of tests

BRAND NEW. Airbus introduces its new A350-900 long-haul carrier in Toulouse, France. Photo by AFP

TOULOUSE, France – French aircraft maker Airbus on Tuesday, June 11, said its new long-haul carrier, the A350, is scheduled to make its maiden flight on Friday, June 14, after having successfully passed a series of tests.

The company said in a statement the flight would take place at 0800 GMT at the Toulouse-Blagnac airport in southwestern France, “weather conditions permitting.”

Flight test teams were however carrying out a final round of controls before giving “their final green light”.

Airbus hopes the 314-seater will compete with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner by being both lighter and more fuel-efficient than previous models.

The first deliveries of A350s to airlines are scheduled for the second half of 2014. So far, Airbus has received 613 firm orders for the aircraft. – Rappler.com