Test programme A350 in final stage

Airbus is in the final stage of the test programme of the A350-900 and has started route proving tests. These tests are to demonstrate readiness for airline operations and will include high airfield performance, auto-landing trials, and airport turnaround and handling services. Some flights will have passengers on board. The A350 world tour itinerary includes fourteen major airports worldwide and one route via the North Pole.

The world tour is made by A350 MSN5, the fifth test aircraft, which has a fully functional cabin (42 business class and 223 economy class seats). The A350 flights will be operated by Airbus flight crews with the participation of Airworthiness Authority pilots from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The tests form part of the last trials required for aircraft Type Certification scheduled for Q3 this year. The first airline delivery, to Qatar Airways, will follow towards the end of the year.

The three week trial (four trips) starts in Toulouse, France. Trip one includes destinations such as Canada via the north-pole and Frankfurt. Trip two to Asia includes visits to Hong Kong and Singapore. The third trip goes around the world and brings the aircraft to Johannesburg and Sydney. From Sydney it will fly to Auckland, followed by Santiago de Chile and Sao Paulo before returning to Toulouse. On the fourth and final trip the A350 will depart from Toulouse to Doha, the homebase of launch customer Qatar Airways, then onto Perth and back to Doha. From Doha it will fly to Moscow, then to Helsinki from where it will fly back to Toulouse.

Airbus has five development A350s flying. The test programme has reached over 540 flights and 2,250 flight hours.

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