Airbus A350 XWB Delivery to Qatar Airways

December 23, 2014  | Written by Terri Potratz

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Airbus handed over the first A350 XWB aircraft to launch client Qatar Airways yesterday in Toulouse, France at the Airbus Delivery Center among a bustling group of more than 150 media professionals.

The press conference led with Didier Evrard, executive vice-president of the A350 SWB Programme, who noted that the -900 was certified ahead of schedule and in a record time of 15 months (EASA on September 30th and FAA on November 12, 2014).

Another big win for the A350 is the marked decrease in external noise, falling within a 21dB margin to ICAO’s Chapter 4 noise management regulations, so passengers will notice a considerable decrease in engine hum within the cabin.

Dr. Kiran Rao, executive vice-president of Strategy & Marketing, Airbus walked the audience through the beginnings of the A350 project, which began in 2005 and delivered a new airframe comprised of more than 50 percent composite materials, a simpler and more efficient fuel system, next-gen engines and a wide-body that comfortably accommodates nine abreast seating.

After a moving performance by the Orchestra National du Capitole de Toulouse and Hiba Al Kawas, Grand Dame of Arabic opera, which closed with a dramatic curtain-drop revealing the A350 beyond, the  media were taken on a one-hour flight. From Toulouse to Toulouse, we circled over the Mediterranean Sea and along the Pyrenees mountains, remaining at a low altitude for prime photo ops of the landscape below.

Cabin crew in the Qatar signature red suits delivered hors d’oeuvres, champagne and macaroons to media passengers, who toured the aircraft while in flight, perusing cabin management systems (below), the crew rest facilities, and even the cockpit.

For those without a window seat, however, the aircraft was equipped with three exterior camera views that could be viewed through the Oryx IFE system: one from the tail,  one facing down from the belly and another facing forward from the nose.

The Thales AVANT-powered system was a breeze to use, with touchscreen navigation, USB power and a host of entertainment options to swipe through.

The most notable aspects of the new aircraft interior included:

• Ample overhead space, enabled by new carry-on compartments.
• Decreased cabin noise due to quieter engines.
• 18-inch wide seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.
• Plenty of foot room with a noted absence of any electronics boxes and pared-down seat architecture.
• Adjustable head-rests that move up and down to accommodate for various heights.

Our top takeaway from the flight was the perceived space of the cabin interior. While the 18-inch seat width (one inch greater than the standard 17-17.5″ seat widths) and up to 32-inch pitch do make for a spacious personal zone, the psychological affect of the large windows, vertical side wall panel and open overhead space may prove to have an even greater impact on passengers’ perceived level of comfort.

If you’re eager for  more, you can also view highlights from the delivery ceremony:

Or the entire un-cut version: