First China Airlines A350XWB takes shape on Airbus’ Final Assembly Line

Assembly of the main airframe sections of the first A350 XWB for China Airlines is advancing at Airbus’ Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. This involves the assembly of the wing-fuselage junction, the installation of the tailplane and also the tailcone. The aircraft will then be moved to the next assembly station for structural completion, ground testing of mechanical, electrical and avionics systems, and then the start of cabin installation. First delivery of Airbus’ latest generation widebody airliner to China Airlines is scheduled for the 3rd quarter of 2016. China Airlines has 14 A350-900 twin engine widebodies on order. The aircraft will be deployed on the carrier’s long-haul routes to Europe, Australia and the United States as well as on selected regional routes. China Airlines currently operates 24 A330s and six A340s on regional and long haul services.