Hong Kong Airlines has taken delivery of its first A350-900, on lease from AerCap, making the carrier the 15th airline to operate the world’s newest and most efficient twin aisle airliner. Altogether Hong Kong Airlines will acquire 21 Airbus A350 XWB, including 15 purchased directly from Airbus and six on lease from third party lessors.

The first A350-900 for Hong Kong Airlines has completed its maiden flight in Toulouse, France. The aircraft will now enter the final phase of production, further ground checks and test flights before being prepared for delivery at the end of August.

Delta Air Lines has taken delivery of its first A350-900, and will be the first US-based airline to operate the newest member of Airbus’ leading wide-body family. The A350 XWB will bring unrivalled eco-efficiency and a superior passenger experience to primarily transpacific routes starting in October. 

Assembly of the first A350 XWB for Air Mauritius is advancing well at Airbus’ final assembly line in Toulouse, France. The wing-fuselage junction, the installation of the tail plane and also the tail cone have all been completed.

Asiana Airlines of South Korea has taken delivery of its first A350-900, becoming the twelfth airline to operate the world’s newest and most efficient twin engine widebody airliner. Asiana’s A350-900 is configured with a three class layout with a total of 311 seats, comprising 28 in Business Smartium, convertible to fully flat beds, 36 in Economy Smartium and 247 in the main cabin.

Qatar Airways has leased the first of four A350 aircraft from LATAM, the South American airline, for terms of 6- to 12-months, in order to meet its operational plan for the year, as well as increasing customer demand.