ABU DHABI, UAE — Gulf-based full-service airline operator Etihad Airways carried out the inaugural flight of its first Airbus A350-1000 jet from Abu Dhabi to Paris.

The aircraft is the first Airbus A350 to be flown on a commercial route by Etihad Airways, and the first of five A350 jets scheduled for delivery to the Gulf carrier this year.

Etihad's A350-1000 took off from Abu Dhabi International Airport for Paris Charles de Gaulle at 7.30 am local today with a delegation comprising government officials, Etihad and Airbus representatives, reporters, etc.

The A350-1000 with registration A6-XWB is configured to accommodate 44 business-class seats in a 1-2-1 forward-facing herringbone layout, 45 "economy space" seats with a 35in pitch, and 282 31in-pitch economy seats.
“The Airbus A350 is an absolutely incredible aircraft, and we are proud to introduce it into the Etihad Airways network today. Our teams have worked closely together to craft a product and travel proposition that will ensure every journey with Etihad is a choice well made – both for our guests and for the planet. With highly efficient fuel consumption and CO2 savings, the A350 will support our goals to reduce carbon emissions and deliver an unmatched flight experience for our guests,” Tony Douglas, Etihad Group Chief Executive Officer, said.


Etihad A350-1000 New Business

“Etihad Airways has been a long-standing partner of Airbus in the UAE and we are excited to continue our collaboration. The A350-1000 is setting new standards of air travel, offering unrivaled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions," said Mikail Houari, The head of Airbus Africa, and the Middle East.


Etihad A350-1000 New Economy

“This marks the start of a promising new chapter for the UAE’s aviation sector, led by innovation and a commitment to sustainability. We look forward to many more years of partnership and working together to support Etihad Airways expand its network through our most technologically advanced and efficient aircraft,”

Mr. Houari added.

On the other hand, Etihad Airways has announced that it would add two more aircraft of the same type bringing the number of A350-1000s in its orderbook to 14 with firm order commitment. Six extra Airbus A350-1000 jets listed in the European planemaker's backlog are subject to Etihad's further firm commitments.