A350 is Coming Along...

[Bernie P]

Picture says it all really...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7297823074_db08a9287d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/flightblogger/7297823074/)
The flight deck of the first A350 XWB (MSN1) is beginning to take shape in St. Nazaire. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/flightblogger/7297823074/) by Jon Ostrower (http://www.flickr.com/people/flightblogger/), on Flickr

I wonder how far out it'll be before we see this baby flying?

[Philip Argy]

Follow progress here:
http://www.a350xwb.com/

[Philip Argy]

http://www.news.com.au/travel/holiday-deals/first-look-at-airbuss-brand-new-plane-the-a350/story-e6frfqh0-1226641738905?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ros

[Nigel C]

There seems to have been very little discussion here regarding the A350, perhaps because it seems to be running relatively 'on time' in terms of production compared to the A380 and B787?

Anyway, it appears that the A350 will conduct its maiden flight on Friday at 10am France time, weather permitting.

[Thomas Collins]

So far confirmed for 1000L today (1800 our time).

[Thomas Collins]

Live Feed Here (http://www.a350xwbfirstflight.com)

[Andrew M]

Stream worked for a few mins then stopped :(

[David Knudsen]

More direct link seems to be working;

http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/a350-xwb-first-flight/

and a secondary feed here http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/a350-xwb-first-flight/a350-xwb-first-flight/

[Zac M]

And she's away!!

[Rowan McKeever]

That was awesome, got home just in time to see it & am I glad or what... beautiful machine!!!!

[Zac M]

she climbed with such ease!

[Nigel C]

You'd hope so with such a huge wing and not a lot of weight!

[Thomas Collins]

Think the 78 looks better...

[Rowan McKeever]

As a package I think I agree with you Thomas, buuuuuuut I can't get past the 'winglet' (or whatever they're calling it!) on the A350 :)

[Rowan McKeever]

T minus not long for first landing... fly past went well

[Grahame Hutchison]

Congratulations Airbus, a very successful first flight for the A350.

[Garry Emanuel]

Why gear down (it seemed) for the duration ?

[Kazuya H]

Nope, it was only for the first 30 minutes of the flight. It's just a safety procedure on their part - first flight. The airfield was also closed for 30 minutes after takeoff for same reason. There are some great videos on YouTube on the entire flight that shows gear up after about 35 minutes.

[Garry Emanuel]

Thanks:).

[Brock Little]

The airfield was also closed for 30 minutes after takeoff for same reason.

Apparently just in case something happens immediately after takeoff and an emergency situation is declared.

[Rowan McKeever]

Test flights 2, 3 & 4 occurred on Wednesday, with test flight 5 today including a flyover of the Paris Air Show

[David Ramsay]

It was the opening act at Paris this afternoon.

A couple of photos ...

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[David Ramsay]

Some more pics

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[Greg McDonald]

Can't see the pics David.

[Kurt A]

Pics working fine my end. Nice work Mr Ramsay!

[Greg McDonald]

Good now :)