First A350 XWB for TAM Airlines makes its maiden flight

TAM Airlines’ first A350 XWB has successfully taken off from Toulouse International Airport in France. The aircraft now progresses to the final production phase which includes further ground checks and flight tests, before delivery to TAM Airlines in December.

TAM will become the first airline from the Americas to fly the A350 XWB and the fourth operator in the world. LATAM Airlines Group, made up of LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines, has ordered 27 A350XWB aircraft. The carrier will start operating the A350 XWB in January 2016 between Sao Paulo and Manaus. This will be followed by international operations from Sao Paulo to Miami, to Madrid and to Orlando.

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range aircraft family and the newest member of Airbus’ leading widebody family. The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft family, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for passengers, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for airlines. The A350 XWB received 787 Firm orders from 41 customers as of October 2015.