Airbus marks milestones with its widebody aircraft

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Airbus marks milestones with its widebody aircraft

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Airbus A330 | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Jun 25, 2025

European aerospace company Airbus developed the A350 widebody aircraft in 2004, following the launch of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner. The A350, inspired by components from the Airbus A330, features advanced composite wings and more fuel-efficient engines. The first prototype took flight on June 14, 2013.

Qatar Airways was the launch customer for the A350-900, which entered service on January 15, 2015. The airline also introduced the extended A350-1000 version in February 2018. Qatar Airways operates a significant number of these aircraft, with configurations designed to enhance passenger comfort.

The initial design of the A350 faced limited market interest, prompting Airbus to develop a new design known as 'XWB' (Extra Wide Body) in 2006. This model is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and received certification from European and U.S. aviation authorities in 2014.

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Airbus began production of the A350 in 2008, investing in new facilities across Europe and the United States. Final assembly of its first prototype was completed by late 2012.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, production rates for the A350 decreased significantly. The company had considered a shorter version called the A350-800 but eventually focused on larger models due to changing market demands.

Today, over 600 A350s are in service globally with major airlines like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific among its operators. Turkish Airlines is set to become a leading operator with numerous orders for both variants.

There has been one hull-loss incident involving an A350 when Japan Airlines Flight 516 collided with another aircraft during landing at Tokyo Haneda Airport. All passengers aboard were safely evacuated.