Airbus has tentatively set 14 June for the maiden flight of the prototype A350-900 twinjet.

Its decision follows a series of ground, taxiing and braking tests - at low and high speeds - with aircraft MSN1, one of five A350s which will comprise the flight-test fleet.

The airframer says the first test flight, from Toulouse Blagnac airport, is planned to take place at 10:00.

It states that the decision was made following an assessment of the flight-test status but adds that the timing of the flight depends on the weather conditions.

"The A350 flight-test teams are now carrying out the last checks on MSN1 before they give their final green light for the first flight to take place," it says.

Six crew will be on board the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered aircraft.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news