Qatar Airways has released the first images of the A350 Xtra Wide Body ahead of its delivery later this year.

Qatar Airways is the launch customer of the Airbus A350 XWB, with 80 of the planes on order.

They will be deployed on a wide variety of routes served by the Qatar Airways network.

The A350 MSN005 development aircraft recently concluded a world tour, touching down in 14 cities, demonstrating its readiness for airline operations on a global scale.

Qatar Airways group chief Akbar Al Baker said that the airline is currently in the midst of a massive fleet expansion programme and the incoming delivery of the Airbus A350 XWB type into the fleet will be a significant milestone for the airline.

“We take pride in introducing the latest products and services available to the industry and this new aircraft is a prime example of that.

“We look forward to offering to our passengers even more choice and variety in the young and modern fleet which we operate to more than 140 destinations across the world.”