Qatar Airways has received its first Airbus A350 XWB, the next-generation wide-body airliner, becoming the world’s first airline to receive the aircraft.
Airbus has handed over the aeroplane to Qatar Airways at a ceremony at its headquarters in Toulouse, France.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said: "Receiving the A350 XWB as global launch customer is a very proud moment for Qatar Airways, and after much anticipation, I am delighted that the day has come when we will welcome this latest generation aircraft into our rapidly expanding fleet."
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB features advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials and aircraft systems.
The A350 XWB is said to compete with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.
Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said: "Handing over the first A350 XWB represents a significant step in Airbus and aviation history.
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By GlobalData"The A350 XWB is the latest Airbus aircraft to join the skies, revolutionising our industry and redefining the way people fly."
In June 2007, Qatar Airways has signed a deal with Airbus to buy 80 A350 XWB aircraft.
The A350 XWB joins the carrier’s fleet of A380s and A330s, making Qatar Airways the first airline to operate each member of Airbus wide-body family.
The A350 XWB has logged 778 orders from 41 customers across the world as of November 2014.
Image: Airbus handed over the A350 XWB to Qatar Airways at a ceremony at its headquarters in Toulouse, France. Photo: courtesy of daVinci / Airbus SAS.
