Ethiopian Airlines' first A350 XWB takes shape

The first Airbus A350-900 for Ethiopian Airlines is taking shape on the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. Ethiopian Airlines will be the first African A350 XWB operator when it takes delivery of the aircraft next year. Ethiopian Airlines will operate 14 A350 XWB of which 12 are directly purchased from Airbus and two are on lease from AerCap, including this first aircraft. Mating of the various aircraft fuselage sections has begun and the vertical stabilizer (tail fin) has been attached. Similarly, work has begun on joining the wings, and the horizontal tailplanes to the fuselage, after which its undercarriage will be fitted. All these activities are carried out in parallel with cabin interiors installation and the first electrical power–on, enabling a significant reduction in lead-time. Following this, the aircraft will undergo a comprehensive sequence of tests. Once those are complete, the aircraft will be painted, its engines installed and preparations for delivery will begin.