The first A350-900 for Hong Kong Airlines has completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France. The aircraft will now enter the final phase of production, further ground checks and test flights before being prepared for delivery at the end of August. Hong Kong Airlines has a total of 15 A350 XWB on order.

Bringing new levels of efficiency and comfort in the long range market, the A350 family will be especially well suited to the needs of Asia-Pacific airlines. Firm orders for the A350 from carriers in the region represent over a third of total sales for the type to date.

With the delivery of its first A350, Hong Kong Airlines will be one step closer to turn itself from a regional airline to a global carrier. The new aircraft has already been assigned an important role to serve the company's newly launched long-haul route to Los Angeles starting from 18 December this year. Both A350 and Los Angeles are significant corporate developments that demonstrate Hong Kong Airlines' rapid and substantial growth as well as its commitment to 'delivering' more to its customers. The company is expecting to receive two more A350 by the year-end. To cope with such rapid expansion, it gears up resources by inviting experienced pilot around the world to join the company.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. As the founding member of "Airspace by Airbus" cabin brand, the A350 XWB cabin provides passengers and crews the best in comfort, well-being and technology.

To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 848 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Contributed by Airbus