Airbus completes painting of first A350 XWB

Airbus stated (13-May-2013) painting of the first A350 XWB "MSN001" was fully completed on 13-May-2013 as it emerged in its Airbus livery out from the paintshop in Toulouse. The manufacturer noted: "This latest milestone shows that MSN001 is progressing well on its route to first flight". The aircraft painting was achieved in less than seven days and follows the recent completion of MSN001's flight-test-instrumentation (FTI) verification. Last month the aircraft underwent its engines installation, and passed a subsequent intensive phase of ground vibration tests. MSN001 will soon start the final tests before its maiden flight in summer 2013. [more - original PR]