Aircraft
Schedule for First A350 Delivery Slips Later into 2013
Airbus’s schedule for the A350 XWB has slipped to later in the second half of 2013, reflecting the company’s recognition that the transition from the desig

Airbus’s schedule for the A350 XWB has slipped to later in the second half of 2013, reflecting the company’s recognition that the transition from the design to manufacturing phase will prove more complex than originally expected. The caution is understandable in light of the well publicized manufacturing issues with the A380 program, and similarly with Boeing’s oft-delayed 787.

The outsourcing trend has complicated the job of building large aircraft, and the coordination of a multitude of contractors and suppliers has only added to the program’s complexity and managers’ headaches. Still, Airbus expects a relatively minor delay; original plans called for the A350 to enter service early in the second half of 2013. They now call for first delivery somewhat later in the year.