Didier Evrard Head of A350 Program visited last week the site that Spanish Tier 1 Alestis has in Aerópolis –Sevilla.

According to Alestis, the visit has served Airbus to check on-site the good progress the company has experienced in this program "due to industrial restructuring launched in September 2012". The delegation from Airbus, and especially Didier Evrard, acknowledged the fulfillment of all the commitments made by Alestis Aerospace in the A350 XWB program, and claimed that currently the company is a "totally reliable" supplier after having overcome a difficult situation over the past months.

"Now you have the future on your hands. Continuing this progress, Alestis might be one of the best suppliers of the A350 XWB", said Evrard to the workforce of the Sevilla site.

Alestis Aerospace CEO Francisco Javier Díaz Gil said that "Alestis is in the right direction" and although "it still has many challenges ahead," also was "confident" that the commitment of all those who form the company will "tackle them successfully". "This company is proving that we can do things very well and it is trained to change and improve constantly. It is a proud to work in a Tier1 as Alestis Aerospace", underlined.

Alestis Aerospace faced last year a cash crunch and from May/2012, it was placed under court administration, operating from one bill to the next. Airbus took the control of the group and named the CEO. Alestis designs and builds the Section 19.1 of the Rear Fuselage and the belly fairing.


Based on the article “El director del A350 XWB junto a una delegación de Airbus visita la planta de Alestis en Aerópolis” published in 20minutos.

Magellan Aerospace increases the participation on the A350 XWB program with additional workpackage.

Magellan Aerospace has signed an agreement with Airbus securing a major work package on the A350 XWB. The package, which is an addition to other supply contracts Magellan Aerospace has on the A350 XWB, consists of a series of machined and assembled structural components for the fuselage structure in this aircraft which supports the cabin storage bins and aircraft systems and is worth approximately $US 45 million dollars over the next 4 years.

Production will utilize existing and new capacity at Magellan's facilities in the UK in Wrexham, Chalfont and Greyabbey. To support this program Magellan will invest in a range of new high technology machines to optimize efficiency and value to the customer.
Magellan currently participates on the Centre Wing Box and the Pylon Secondary Structure as well as with the machining and treatment of complex machined aluminium-lithium detail components.

Mr. Jim Butyniec, President and CEO of Magellan discussed the strategic importance of participation on the A350 XWB program and Magellan's continued drive to secure major work packages on future aircraft for Airbus and Boeing programs. He commented, "This new package, together with existing A350 XWB work consolidates Magellan's strong position on this exciting new Airbus program"



Based on the press release “Magellan Aerospace Selected to Machine and Assemble Structural Components for the Airbus A350 XWB Program”

The new Libyan Wings airline signs a MOU for 3 A350-900 to start building up it´s operations

Libyan Wings, the newly launched Tripoli based airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 3 A350-900s (and 4 A320neo’s). The carrier is building up its fleet with aircraft orders announced at the 2013 Dubai Airshow. Libyan Wings will start operations for passenger charter and freight from the beginning of 2014.

Click the picture to watch the video

“The A350 XWB and A320neo will play a significant role in ensuring that our new airline operates one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the Middle East region moving forward,” said Wisam Al Masri, Chairman of Libyan Wings. "With these fuel-efficient aircraft we will be able to offer passengers the highest levels of comfort on both long haul and shorter regional routes, while benefitting from the lowest operating costs and best environmental performance."

"It’s very exciting to see a new airline starting its business today with our efficient, latest generation A320neo and A350 XWB Families. This means that the Airbus product line, from single aisle to widebody clearly meets customer requirements in the world’s most competitive and demanding markets like the Middle East," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. "Whether for short regional services or long intercontinental routes, Airbus has the right products with the lowest operating costs and best in class comfort standards."

Libyan Wings is a fully privately-funded airline backed by Libyan businessmen, according to Chairman Wisam Al Masri. It will function as a full-service operator, with the aircraft configured in both business and economy class seating.

Established in 2012, the Tripoli-based carrier plans to serve primarily the MENA region at the start, explained Haret Alfasi, the carrier’s Applications Manager. The current strategy is to debut with domestic routes and flights to such countries as Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco, along with Turkey. Future expansion is anticipated to northern Europe, with service to Persian Gulf countries also envisioned, he explained

“Our aircraft choice today also demonstrates a commitment to innovation, technology and matching customer expectations in terms of comfort and safety, while also addressing the growing environmental concerns of the aviation market.” Alfasi told reporters at the Dubai Airshow announcement press conference.

He added that Libya’s air transport sector is developing quickly, maintaining a strong recovery trend that has been boosted by a consumer market boom and the introduction of world brands in the country.

“Libyan Wings is here to demonstrate that we intend to make an impact in this market as well,” Alfasi concluded. “In addition, Libyan Wings is keen to play role in helping to revolutionize and improve airport infrastructure in Libya.”



Based on the press release “Libyan Wings orders three A350 XWBs and four A320neo’s”

Airbus is studying how much additional engineering work would be needed for the A350-1100, a double-stretched A350 XWB. No serious technical show-stopper identified.

Airbus has launched detailed technical studies into further stretching the A350, program head Didier Evrard said recently.

The current studies center on how much additional engineering work would be needed for the aircraft’s structure and systems to allow the fuselage to be extended beyond that of the A350-1000, a stretched version of the baseline A350-900.

Last month, at the Istat Europe conference in Barcelona, Airbus COO-Customers John Leahy confirmed for the first time that the company was studying the idea, although he later downplayed his comments. Later Evrard said “we are not in a hurry to define another product, but if the market needs it, we will do it.”

The current studies are primarily technical. Evrard pointed out that the landing gear for the -1000 is already different from the -900, and has upward weight potential in the tens of tons, so it would not be a hurdle. Evrard indicated that he didn´t see any technical issues that would be considered a serious technical show-stopper. “Others did it, we can certainly do it, too,” he said, referring to Boeing’s launch of the 787-10, a double-stretch of the 787-8.

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The amount of engineering work needed would largely depend on the extent of the stretch and the kind of missions that the aircraft would have to fly. A stretched version that does not include significant upgrades is likely to lose range.

If Airbus goes ahead with the project, it would follow Boeing’s plans to stretch the 777, making the proposed 777-9X a 400-seat aircraft. The type is widely expected to be launched at the Dubai air show in November.

Following the technical studies, Airbus plans to take a closer look at the market potential of a larger A350, which would likely take the aircraft into a similar size category. The A350-1000 is defined by Airbus as a 350-seat aircraft in three classes. It is almost identical in size to Boeing’s 777-300ER, but Airbus claims it can seat 9 additional passengers because the aircraft will have only 4 exit doors on each side rather than 5 for the 777-300ER.

Airbus argues that the proposed Boeing 777-9X will burn 15% more fuel than its A350-1000 for about 10% more capacity, and it will not get below the fuel-burn per seat achieved by the -900.



Based on the article “Airbus Studying Feasibility Of A Double-Stretched A350” published in Aviation Week

A vote of confidence from Etihad; 50 A350 ordered marking a volte-face after previously canceling some orders.

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Etihad orders 50 A350, including 10 A350-1000, only one and a half year later than the Middle Eastern airline cancelled 7+6 A350-1000 in May and January last year.

Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said at the Dubai Air Show that of the 40 A350-900 that Etihad agreed to buy, 24 are regional models due from 2018.

The commitment is a surprise comeback for Airbus after Hogan had canceled 13 A350-1000 orders last year, dealing a blow to Airbus at a time when the aircraft was struggling to gain appeal with buyers.

Etihad Airways, national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, 36 A320neo aircraft and one A330-200F as part of its fleet modernization strategy.

The contract was signed at the 2013 Dubai Airshow by James Hogan, Etihad Airways CEO and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, “Ten years ago this month, we celebrated our inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi using an Airbus A330.

A decade later, we have grown into one of the world’s leading airlines and the importance of Airbus to our fast-growing operations has never been stronger. We have more than 60 Airbus aircraft in our fleet today, and this latest order is testament to the continued strength of our partnership.

As one of the first airlines set to receive the much-awaited Airbus A350-1000, we look forward to benefiting from its operational efficiencies and cost savings.”



Based on the article “Etihad Adds A350 Wide-Body Jet After Previously Canceling Order” published in Bloomberg

What has the first flying prototype MSN1 achieved alone in the A350 flight test program.

Hugues Van Der Stichel, Experimental test pilot, VP Flight Test Regulation, explained exactly what key achievements have been logged so far.

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• Aero clean and landing configurations are completed.
• Settings for the air brakes are completed.
• The flight envelope has been opened.
• The A350 is now cleared in normal law up to FL430.

RAT

• System tests including failure cases and a RAT (ram air turbine) in-flight extension have been completed.
• Auto-flight is functional, and the first autoland was performed on F4.
• Landing gear free falls have also been performed.
• The timing is not known for the all important VMU minimum unstick speed tests, the slowest speed at which the aircraft will safely take off.

 

Though Airbus says icing tests will occur by year’s end depending on weather.




Based on the article “Airbus Gives Major A350 XWB Program Update: Rival 777X In The Crosshairs” published in Airchive

First pictures of the cabin interior installation in the MSN2 third A350 flying prototype.

Patrick du Ché is the head of development flight tests and is also responsible for the development of the A350 XWB flight test campaign. “We´ve prepared very deeply for this flight test campaign and now it´s paying off”, he said. “Full speed ahead!”

MSN2 cabin interior installation

The MSN2 is the first test aircraft with a cabin. “This aircraft should join the fleet in early 2014 and then we´ll start carrying passengers and performing tests of the cabin and all of the cabin systems.”

MSN2 cabin interior installation

“If you are wondering why MSN2 is the third test aircraft, thanks to advancements in on-ground cabin testing, we didn´t need it before MSN3. So we built MSN3 earlier than planned, but kept the same MSN numbers” Patrick du Ché said.

MSN2 cabin interior installation

The MSN5 is a key aircraft for Airbus; “it will have a cabin and it will have all of the modification and improvements that we´ve made since testing began. It should be ready in spring, just months before we´ll deliver to our first customer, Qatar Airlines.”

MSN2 cabin interior installation

MSN5 will carry passengers as it basically makes a round-the-world trip during what Airbus call “route proving”, when they probe themselves and to their customers that the aircraft will do the job that it is supposed to do.

 

Based on the article “En route for certification” published by Airbus.