First TAM A350 XWB enters final assembly line

TAM Airbus A350 XWB enters the final assembly line at Airbus in Toulouse (© Airbus)
TAM Airbus A350 XWB enters the final assembly line at Airbus in Toulouse (© Airbus)

The first Airbus A350 XWB of TAM has entered the final assembly line at Airbus/Toulouse. Following this, the aircraft will move to wing junction, cabin installation and first power-on, all achieved in one single station. Once these phases are completed, the aircraft will undergo system tests, cabin completion, painting and engine installation before starting the delivery process, including flight testing.

TAM Airbus A350 XWB enters the final assembly line at Airbus in Toulouse (© Airbus)
TAM Airbus A350 XWB enters the final assembly line at Airbus in Toulouse (© Airbus)

The carrier from Brazil will be the first  operator of this type in the Americas. TAM will take delivery of its first A350-900 XWB in December 2015. TAM has ordered 27 A350-900s to be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. All will be delivered until 2019. The carrier has said earlier the A350’s economy cabin will be configured in a 3-3-3 layout.

The first operator of Airbus A350 XWB worldwide is Qatar Airways. The next will be Vietnam Airlines (first operator in Asia-Pacific) Their aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year. The third operator will be Finnair (first operator in Europe) Their first aircraft is scheduled for autumn 2015.

Airbus A350-900 XWB int he livery of TAM (© Airbus)
Airbus A350-900 XWB int he livery of TAM (© Airbus)

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions.

European-Aviation.net, Airbus