To ensure
the smooth integration of the A350-1000 into the FAL while A350-900 production
is ramping-up, Airbus has added three additional final assembly stations and is
increasing the number of the final assembly line of the A350 XWB employees from
its current level - about 1,500 - 1,900 to about 2018. For maximum flexibility,
all stations in the A350 XWB FAL can be used for both models.
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Currently
in “Station 50” for fuselage join-up and nose landing gear installation, the
first A350-1000 will next move to “Station 40” where the wings, main landing
gear, pylons and tail planes will be installed. To save time and optimise the
A350 assembly process, Airbus starts the cabin furnishing and first electrical
power-on in parallel to the structural assembly work. After this stage is
completed, the aircraft continues through the FAL process, with final
structural activities, ground tests, painting, cabin & cockpit completion
and engines installation before being transferred to the flight test centre.
While
having a very high degree of commonality with the A350-900, the A350-1000, measuring
nearly 74 meters from nose to tail, is the longest fuselage version of Airbus’
all-new family of wide body jetliners. The A350-1000 will be powered by Rolls
Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the most powerful engine developed for an Airbus
aircraft. The A350-1000 comfortably seats 366 passengers in a typical 3-class
configuration and flies on routes of up to almost 8,000 nautical miles which
represents a significant revenue-generating advantage for operators. So
far, Airbus has won 181 A350-1000 orders from 10 customers.
