Airbus A350-1000 Airbus Industrie
Registration: F-WLXV Type: A350-1041 Engines: 2 × RR Trent XWB-97 Serial Number: 065 First flight: Feb 7, 2017
One standout in the A350 family is the A350-1000 test aircraft, registered as F-WLXV (MSN065), which played a pivotal role in the type’s certification campaign. As the second A350-1000 built, it rolled out of Airbus’s Toulouse paint shop in September 2016 sporting the striking Carbon Fiber livery—a visual nod to the aircraft’s composite-heavy construction. Unlike its siblings, F-WLXV was uniquely equipped with a fully fitted passenger cabin during testing, allowing Airbus to evaluate real-world systems performance on long-haul flights, including a notable 2017 test campaign that pushed its endurance and reliability limits.
Beyond its technical contributions, F-WLXV doubled as a promotional star for Airbus. The Carbon Fiber livery, with its sleek black-and-gray weave pattern, became an icon of the A350 XWB program, showcasing the advanced materials that define the jet. This aircraft toured global airshows and demonstration flights—like its 2018 appearance in Sydney—captivating aviation enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Even after its test duties wound down, F-WLXV’s legacy lived on; it was later repainted and delivered to Air Caraibes in 2019, transitioning from a testbed to a commercial workhorse while retaining its historical significance.
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