The A350-1000 — the newest, stretched member of the A350 family — is gearing up for its first flight, now expected at the end of October, about three months later than the target indicated late last year.

Following the emergence of the first aircraft (MSN059) this summer, the second A350-1000 flight test aircraft (MSN065) emerged from the paint shop in Toulouse, France on 23rd September. According to Airbus, the second aircraft features a carbon fibre-themed livery reflecting the composite materials that make up more than 50% of the airframe. MSN002, an A350-900, also features a carbon paint scheme.

The A350-1000 is the longest-fuselage member of the A350 XWB Family. It typically seats 366 passengers in a three-class configuration and can accommodate up to 440 passengers in a high-density layout.

MSN065 will take part in the certification campaign as the only A350-1000 flight test aircraft to be equipped with a full passenger cabin. It will perform cabin and air systems tests, along with undertaking the early long flights and route proving in 2017. 

Testing of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines that will power the A350-1000 have been under way since early November 2015 on Airbus’ dedicated A380 flying test bed.

A total of 195 A350-1000s have been ordered by 11 customers, including launch airline Qatar Airways.