Final assembly of the first A350-900 for Japan Airlines (JAL) has begun and is taking shape at the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. The wing-fuselage junction and the installation of the vertical and horizontal tailplane have been completed.
JAL’s first A350-900 shapes up in the final assembly line in Toulouse, France
After this station, the first JAL A350 XWB will be in the next assembly station for final structural completion – such as the installation of winglets – and ground testing of mechanical, electrical and avionics systems.
JAL placed an order for 31 A350 XWBs (18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s) in 2013. It was JAL’s first ever order for Airbus aircraft.
The carrier’s first A350-900 is scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year. JAL’s A350 fleet will enter service on major domestic routes starting with its Haneda-Fukuoka route from September and later fly on international routes, replacing older-generation widebody types.
The A350 XWB is an all-new family of mid-size widebody long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. It is the world’s most modern widebody family and the long-range leader, ideally positioned in the 300-400 seat category. The A350-900 and the A350-1000, and derivatives, are the longest range airliners in operation, with a range capability of up to 9,700nm. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25% reduction in fuel burn and emissions.
The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight product for the most comfortable flying experience.
At the end of January 2019, Airbus has recorded a total of 894 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 48 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.