Airbus will deliver its first new, next-generation long-haul A350-900 plane to Qatar Airways on December 13, the European aerospace giant said today.
"We confirm the first A350XWB (extra wide body) delivery to Qatar Airways will be celebrated on 13th December in line with our commitments," an Airbus spokesman told AFP.
Designed to help the European manufacturer catch up with its American rival Boeing in the market for long-haul, fuel-efficient planes, the A350-900 makes extensive use of light composite materials that reduce fuel consumption and costs.
Airbus has positioned its A350 between Boeing's popular 777 and its 787 Dreamliner, hoping to eat away at both planes' markets.
The plane can carry 315 passengers over a distance of 14,500 kilometres and to date, 750 A350 aircraft have been ordered by 39 customers worldwide.
