The wing-fuselage junction, the installation of the tailplane and also the tailcone have been completed on the new A350 XWB at Airbus's Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France.
The aircraft is in the next assembly station for structural completion such as the installation of winglets, ground testing of mechanical, electrical and avionics systems.
Next steps will include cabin completion, engine installation, painting and flight tests. This will lead to the delivery of the first A350-900 to Air Mauritius scheduled in Q4 2017.
Air Mauritius will acquire a total of six A350-900 twin engine widebodies comprising four directly purchased from Airbus and two on lease from AerCap.
The A350 XWB will be deployed on the carrier's long-haul, mainly the Mauritius-Paris route. Air Mauritius currently operates a fleet of 13 aircraft of which 10 Airbus aircraft including six A340-300, two A330-200 and two A319 on regional and long haul services.
The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.
The spaciousness interior and mood lighting in the cabin contribute to superior levels of comfort and well-being, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.
To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 831 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 44 customers worldwide.
