A350_XWB MSN005

Airbus has announced that the fifth A350 test aircraft, A350 MSN005, has taken its first flight, taking the programme to the final stage of certification.

The MSN005 is the second passenger cabin-equipped A350 tasked with route proving and ETOPS validation, and embodies the operationally definitive configuration for Type Certification duties.

MSN005 completes the five flight-test fleet for the A350 XWB development programme, according to Airbus.

Airbus said this milestone means that the A350 XWB programme is on track for certification in the third quarter, with the delivery of the first customer aircraft to Qatar Airways scheduled in the fourth quarter.

"The A350 XWB programme has completed more than 2,000 flight-test hours to date in approximately 500 flight."

Last week, the A350 XWB flight test aircraft (MSN3) completed hot weather testing in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

The test was aimed at evaluating the performance of the engines and aircraft systems at temperatures reaching above 40°C.

Earlier this month, the MSN002 completed the ‘Early Long Flight’ campaign involving two trips with passengers.

The A350 XWB programme has completed more than 2,000 flight-test hours to date in approximately 500 flights, with around 80 flight hours per aircraft per month.

The programme represents the highest flying rate ever achieved in Airbus flight tests, the company said.

The A350 XWB comprises three versions, covering a wide range of capacities from 276 to 369 seats.

Image: The MSN005 flight-test aircraft takes to the skies. Photo: courtesy of A Doumenjou / Airbus SAS.

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