ATW Photo Gallery: Airbus A350-1000 launches first flight

Airbus A350-1000 completes its first flight, Nov. 24, 2016

The A350-1000 test flight crew: from left to right: Frank Chapman, Experimental Flight Test Pilot; Stéphane Vaux, Flight Test Engineer; Patrick du Ché, Flight Test Engineer; Gérard Maisonneuve, Test Flight Engineer; Emanuele Costanzo, Flight Test Engineer; Hugues van der Stichel, Experimental Flight Test Pilot

Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft on its first flight Nov. 24, 2016

The A350-900 (left) and the A350-1000.

The first Airbus A350-1000, MSN59, awaits its maiden flight at Blagnac in Toulouse on Thursday, Nov. 24.

As the aircraft enters the runway, a helicopter spots the A350 and chase plane, which escorts the aircraft during flight.

The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97-powered MSN59 prepares to take off.

The first Airbus A350-1000 takes off on its maiden flight at 10:42 a.m. local time.

Shortly after the A350-1000 disappeared from view, thousands of guests and Airbus workers leave the runway area.

Airbus SVP-marketing Francoise Caudron told media that “the A350-1000 is the biggest twin-engine aircraft we have ever built.” Entry into service was planned for the second half of 2017.

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Bregier said the company’s target to deliver 50 A350s this year was still on track, despite the fact that just 35 have been delivered so far. “But I’m more confident today that we can reach this target than compared to the first half of 2016,” he said.

Four hours later, MSN59 arrives at Toulouse again with a low fly pass.

The A350-1000 made a left turn and went into final approach.

The aircraft landed safely after flying for 4 hours and 18 minutes.

MSN59 arrives in Toulouse again.

To date, Airbus has orders for 195 -1000s to 11 customers, eight of which are also -900 customers. The manufacturer has delivered 49 A350-900s with another 755 on backlog.

MSN59 reaches its parking position to welcome the flight test crew from friends, family members and journalists.

The cockpit crew emerges from the aircraft.

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Bregier welcomes the crew.

Bregier said that every time a new aircraft takes off for the first time it is an very emotional moment for Airbus employees.

The crew discuss the flight.