Airbus announced that production of its new long-range A350-900 XWB (Extra Wide-Body) aircraft has been delayed by six months, which means that the first jet will not enter service until 2014.
A statement released by the aircraft manufacturer said that the delay is “due to the late availability of some key composite and detailed parts.” The jet is now forecast to enter the Final Assembly Line in Toulouse in the first quarter of next year and be ready to fly by the first half of 2014.
The new aircraft’s frame will be made of lightweight carbon composite materials to make it 25 percent more fuel efficient than current aircraft. Depending on configuration the aircraft will be able to seat between 270 and 350 passengers.
For more information, visit www.airbus.com
Alisha Haridasani
