Airbus delivers 500th A350 passenger jet and introduces new production standard

European plane maker Airbus announced the delivery of the 500th A350 passenger aircraft and introduced a new production standard for the wide-body.

Airbus recently delivered its 500th A350-900 plane to the flag carrier of Spain, Iberia, it announced on September 30, 2022. According to the manufacturer, the handover also marks the introduction of a new Airbus production standard, under which it has improved both the performance and passenger cabin of the A350-900 and A350-1000 variants.

“Compared to previous standards, it brings a weight reduction of up to 1.2 tonnes by optimizing systems and structures and increasing the use of advanced materials which already represent more than 70% of the aircraft,” Airbus wrote.

Airbus also explains that it has increased the A350 Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTW) by additional 3 tonnes, meaning the plane can maintain its maximum range capability while carrying an increased payload.