Airbus has completed the A350’s route-proving runs during which the aircraft travelled 81,700nm in 180h of flights.
Route-proving is the last major step prior to certification, which the airframer expects within the next seven weeks.
The 20-day testing aimed to demonstrate the aircraft’s readiness for airline service and Airbus says all the flights took place “on schedule”.
Aircraft MSN5 crossed the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean and was piloted by crews from Airbus and, on some sectors from Doha, launch operator Qatar Airways. European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness pilots also flew the jet.
“We are set for the type certification in the coming weeks, as planned,” says Airbus senior vice-president for flight and integration tests Fernando Alonso, who says the jet has “performed remarkably well” during the operation.
“I truly believe that the aircraft is fit to enter into service and perform to the expectations of our customers.”
Source: Cirium Dashboard
