Aircraft
Airbus Takes Its Time To Get A350 Right the First Time
Since the Boeing 787 entered service last month, Airbus is working hard on the competing A350XWB.
Rolls-Royce recently fitted the first Trent XWB engine on an A380 flying test bed as the A350XWB development gathers pace. Meanwhile, Airbus has started the assembly of the first A350XWB’s horizontal tailplane in Getafe, Spain.
Rolls-Royce recently fitted the first Trent XWB engine on an A380 flying test bed as the A350XWB development gathers pace. Meanwhile, Airbus has started the assembly of the first A350XWB’s horizontal tailplane in Getafe, Spain.

Since the Boeing 787 entered service last month, the spotlight has turned toward Airbus, which is working hard on the competing A350XWB.

Recent weeks have seen major subassemblies for the first aircraft being delivered to Airbus. Final assembly of the initial example–the static-test airframe–should begin by year-end and be completed in about 12 months, although Airbus officials have said it is more important to take the time needed to get the twin-aisle twinjet right and to avoid any A380-style delay later.