Ten years ago, the Airbus A350 embarked on its maiden flight, signaling a new era in the aviation industry. This monumental event took place on June 14, 2013, and marked the beginning of a game-changing journey that has continued to impact global aviation to this day.

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The Maiden Flight of Airbus A350: A Groundbreaking Event

A decade ago, on June 14, 2013, the aviation world watched as the Airbus A350 made its inaugural flight. The aircraft lifted off from Toulouse–Blagnac Airport’s runway, marking the beginning of a new chapter in aviation history. The A350 prototype completed its maiden voyage under partly cloudy skies, with Airbus Chief Test Pilot Peter Chandler at the helm. Over the course of a four-and-a-half-hour journey, the aircraft graced the skies above the Pyrenees, soaring up to an altitude of 25,000 feet.

In a testament to Airbus’s confidence in the A350, the prototype returned to the skies just five days later. This time, it was put through its paces, with pilots testing the plane at its minimum and maximum speeds and deploying the autopilot system for the first time.

A Star at the Paris Air Show

After rolling out of the paint shop on May 13, 2013, the A350 remained largely out of the public eye until the prestigious 2013 Paris Air Show. Here, test pilot Peter Chandler showcased the new twin-engine widebody, piloting it down to a height of 1,000 feet over Paris–Le Bourget Airport. This marked the first public appearance of Airbus’s new flagship.

Certification and the Launch Customer

Following an intense period of 2,500 flight testing hours in varied climates and conditions, the Airbus A350 was awarded its European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification on September 30, 2014. The certification included an ETOPS 370 rating, permitting the aircraft to operate on a single engine for up to six hours.

The A350’s first customer, Qatar Airways, took delivery of the aircraft on December 22, 2014. The following month, the aircraft embarked on its first revenue-generating flight from Hamad International Airport to Frankfurt Airport.

Airbus A350 vs. Boeing 787: A Competitive Landscape

In its early stages, Airbus envisaged that the twin-engine A330 widebody would be capable of competing with Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner. However, as orders for the 787 began to mount, Airbus realized that it needed a new aircraft that could match the 787’s range and efficiency.

Compared to the Boeing 787, the Airbus A350 boasts a greater range and superior passenger and cargo capacity. However, the Boeing aircraft is significantly cheaper, giving it a competitive edge.

Nevertheless, sales of the Airbus A350 have been strong, and the aircraft’s future looks promising. As the industry prepares for the arrival of the Boeing 777X, Airbus will need to continue to innovate to maintain its competitive edge.

READ ALSO: Qatar Airways Welcomes First New Airbus A350 After Long Wait

Reflecting on the journey of the Airbus A350, from its maiden flight to its current status as a staple in global aviation, it’s clear that this aircraft has truly transformed the industry. But, as always in the fast-paced world of aviation, the question remains: what will the next ten years bring? We’d love to hear your thoughts.