7-Jul-2015 4:33 AM
Airbus: First A350 XWB for Cathay Pacific is taking shape
Airbus stated (06-Jul-2015) assembly of the first A350-900 for Cathay Pacific is progressing well at Airbus' A350 XWB Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse. Following the fuselage section joining phase, the wings, the horizontal and vertical tailplane as well as tail cone have been joined to the fuselage. Following this, the aircraft will move to the next assembly station for structural completion, ground testing and start of cabin installation. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery early 2016 and will be the first of 48 A350 XWBs acquired by Cathay Pacific. Cathay Pacific's A350 XWB fleet will include 22 A350-900s and 26 of the larger A350-1000s, for operation on long- and medium-haul services. [more - original PR]