Airbus has unveiled the first A350-900 flight-test prototype in its full paint scheme, as the airframer makes final preparations for the twinjet's maiden sortie.

The aircraft has been fitted with its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and the painting process marks one of the final stages before the flight-test regime begins.

Customers have ordered 414 of the -900 variant, the first of the three-member family to be developed.

A350-900

 Airbus

Having been painted the aircraft will undergo a series of ground tests and be transferred to the flight-test division for ground runs.

The airframer has yet to clarify when the prototype, MSN1, will carry out its first flight.

Airbus has secured orders for 616 A350s including 110 of the largest variant, the -1000, and 92 of the smaller -800.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news