New plane on final stages of assembly process

NATIONAL airline Fiji Airways’ new Airbus 350 XWB model is undergoing the final stages of its assembly process before departing for Fiji from Toulouse, France.

According to the airline, the first of two A350s, the aircraft had the Fiji Airways signature livery painted in Toulouse before the installation of engines followed by ground and flight tests.

“The Airbus A350 will feature 33 Collins Aerospace Super Diamond, fully lie-flat Business Class beds, with each offering direct aisle access,” a statement from the airline said.

“While Economy Class will feature 301 Recaro CL3710 seats, which are ranked among the most comfortable long-haul economy class seats on the market.

“The aircraft will be deployed to enhance existing long haul services from Fiji to Australia and the US, and to provide the opportunity to open additional routes.

“The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and eco-efficient aircraft family shaping the future of air travel.

“It is the long-range leader in the large wide-body market with 300 to 400 seats.

“The A350 XWB offers unrivalled operational flexibility and efficiency for all market segments up to ultra-long haul (15,000 km).”

According to the airline, the new model is part of a new family of mid-sized wide-bodied long haul aircraft.

“The A350 XWB the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuelefficient Rolls-Royce engines.

“Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.

“The aircraft marks one of two new A350 XWB which will complement Fiji Airways’ existing widebody fleet of six Airbus A330s.

“The second delivery is set to be made in December.”