First A350 XWB for TAM Airlines makes maiden flight

TAM Airlines’ first A350 XWB has successfully taken off from Toulouse International Airport in France. The aircraft now progresses to the final production phase which includes further ground checks and flight tests, before delivery to TAM Airlines in December. TAM will become the first airline from the Americas to fly the A350 XWB and the fourth operator in the world. LATAM Airlines Group, made up of LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines, has ordered 27 A350 XWB aircraft. The carrier will start operating the A350 XWB in January 2016 between Sao Paulo and Manaus. This will be followed by international operations from Sao Paulo to Miami, to Madrid and to Orlando.