A350 XWB joins TAM fleet

São Paulo-based 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 this month.

TAM will become the first airline from the Americas to fly the A350 XWB and the fourth operator in the world.

The LATAM Airlines Group, which includes TAM and LAN Airlines of Chile, has ordered 27 A350 XWBs, with TAM beginning operations next month between São Paulo and Manaus. This will be followed by international operations from São Paulo to Miami, Orlando and Madrid.

Meanwhile, the first A350-900 for Ethiopian Airlines is taking shape on the Airbus final assembly line. The carrier will be the first African A350 XWB operator when it takes delivery next year.

Ethiopian will operate 14 A350 XWBs, 12 purchased directly from Airbus and two, including the first aircraft, on lease from AerCap.  

The airline will deploy the aircraft on its expanding route network between East Africa and Asia and America. 

Airbus says the A350 XWB has received 787 firm orders from 41 customers as of October.  www.tam.com.br    www.ethiopianairlines.com

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