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Business

A350 progressing well to first flight

Published: 14 May 2013 - 12:03 am | Last Updated: 01 Feb 2022 - 07:00 pm

PARIS: Europe’s newest passenger jet, the A350, is “progressing well on its route to first flight,” manufacturer Airbus said yesterday.

The planemaker issued the comment after the first flyable aircraft left the paint shop in Airbus colors, ahead of final testing and a maiden flight expected in coming weeks.

The paint job indicates the flight is fast approaching, but Airbus has abandoned the traditional grand “rollout” party as it gives priority to project execution following a series of industry delays, it was reported last week.  The aircraft “will soon start the final tests before its maiden flight this summer,” Airbus said in a statement. Reuters