The first Airbus A350-1000 for British Airways (BA) has successfully completed its maiden flight over France.
The aircraft, with test registration F-WZFH and listed as flight AIB01FH, took off from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France yesterday July 2nd and spent almost 6 hours in the skies.
Following a departure from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport at 12:21 local time, the aircraft headed for The Bay of Biscay, where it stayed for more than 4 hours at high altitude (40,000 ft) performing a zigzag across the French skies. Before returning to the airport they performed a test at low altitude (10,000 ft) for 1 hour, flying over The Pyrenees in The South of France.
British Airways has placed an order for 18 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft; this first one will be delivered to the airline registered as G-XWBA.
British Airways’A350 Routes
British Airways will place the A350-1000 on London Heathrow to Madrid before starting long haul flights with the A350 in October, and so far has announced four long haul routes: Toronto, Dubai, Tel Aviv, and Bangalore.
BA A350 Flights to Madrid
Approximately one week after the aircraft has been delivered, the LHR-MAD route should start. The main reason for this is to familiarize crews with the aircraft and work out any kinks before the plane enters long haul service.
BA A350 Toronto Flight will start on October 1st
The first long haul flight of the A350 will be to Toronto and starting on October 1st.
BA93 London to Toronto departing 13:05 arriving 15:55
BA92 Toronto to London departing 18:30 arriving 06:40 (+1 day)
BA A350 Dubai Flight will start on October 8th
BA107 London to Dubai departing 12:45 arriving 23:00
BA106 Dubai to London departing 01:30 arriving 06:15
BA A350 Tel Aviv Flight will start on Dec 1st
BA163 London to Tel Aviv departing 20:55 arriving 03:40 (+1 day)
BA162 Tel Aviv to London departing 06:15 arriving 09:40
BA A350 Bangalore Flight will start on January 1st
BA119 London to Bangalore departing 13:45 arriving 05:00 (+1 day)
BA118 Bangalore to London departing 07:00 arriving 12:40
Sam Chui will be in London on July 26th to witness the arrival of the first BA A350-1000!
Are you excited about this delivery?
Feature Image by Clément Alloing