Emirates’ First Airbus A350-900 Completes Its Maiden Flight
Emirates has marked a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight of its first Airbus A350-900, which took off from the manufacturer’s final assembly plant at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) on September 25, 2024. This new addition to the fleet will undergo further testing before being handed over to Emirates in the coming days.
As reported by AeroTime on September 24, 2024, the aircraft has been engaged in various ground tests at Toulouse, including taxi tests and high-speed rejected take-offs, aimed at verifying its systems and handling performance prior to its inaugural flight.
The Airbus A350-900, initially registered as F-WZGA and set to be re-registered as A6-EXA upon delivery, departed Toulouse-Blagnac at 11:27 local time. The flight path took the aircraft northeast over the west coast of France before reaching the Atlantic Ocean near Nantes. Following some maneuvers, including an overflight of the historic medieval city of Carcassonne in southwest France, the aircraft successfully landed back at Toulouse Airport at 15:22, completing a three-hour and 55-minute flight.
With the completion of its maiden flight, the aircraft will now proceed to additional flight testing to ensure all systems are functioning optimally before its official handover to Emirates. This delivery is eagerly anticipated, as the airline has a total of 65 Airbus A350-900 aircraft on order, with the initial 50 announced at the Dubai Airshow in 2019, and an extension of 15 jets added in 2023.
In May 2024, Emirates revealed plans for the integration of its new A350-900 fleet, starting with the delivery of A6-EXA. The airline expects to welcome the first ten A350s into its fleet by March 31, 2025. Initially, these aircraft will be deployed to nine short- to medium-haul destinations, with Bahrain (BAH) slated to be the first to experience A350 service in the near future.
The A350-900s in Emirates’ fleet will feature a modern three-class configuration, accommodating a total of 312 passengers. This layout includes 32 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 259 economy seats, offering a blend of comfort and efficiency for travelers.
As the airline prepares to incorporate the A350-900 into its operations, it aims to enhance its service offerings and expand its route network. The addition of this state-of-the-art aircraft aligns with Emirates’ commitment to providing a superior flying experience for its passengers, while also positioning the airline to meet growing travel demands in the competitive aviation market.
The successful maiden flight of Emirates’ first A350-900 is a testament to the airline’s forward-looking strategy and its dedication to modernizing its fleet. With further flight tests and the anticipated delivery on the horizon, Emirates is set to strengthen its position as a leader in the aviation industry, ready to embrace the future of air travel.
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