Airbus - A350-900
The A350-900 will be the initial version of the new Airbus family when it enters service in mid-2013. As Airbus SAS works to refine the shape and structure of the A350 XWB, it is currently working on a "four-shell concept", which uses four composite sections of differing thicknesses which are joined by lap-joints. The manufacturer is considering offering up to 10-abreast seating. The anticipated composition of the A350 XWB structure has been set at 52% (by weight) carbonfibre, 20% aluminium, 7% steel, and 7% other materials. Launch customer, with the first firm order for six A350-900 on 21 November 2005, was lessor International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC). The first firm order from an airline was made by TAM Brasil, for ten aircraft on 20 December 2005. This order was converted to 22 A350XWB-900s in June 2007. In June 2008 the MTOW's of all three A350 XWB variants were raised by 3 tonnes so as to ensure that the aircraft can achieve its payload/range targets.
