Cathay Pacific’s first Airbus A350-900 completes maiden flight

Cathay Pacific A350-900 takes off on its maiden flight

Cathay Pacific’s first Airbus A350-900 has completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France.

The aircraft now enters the final phase of production including cabin completion, further ground checks and test flights before being prepared for delivery in the second quarter of the year.

The aircraft 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.

Firm orders from carriers in the Asia Pacific region for the new aircraft total 241, representing over a third of total sales for the A350 XWB to date.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.