Airbus shows off new A350 at big Asian airshow
SINGAPORE (AP) — Airbus is showing off its new wide-body A350 at Asia's biggest airshow this week.
It's a strong sign the European plane maker is on schedule to start delivering the advanced jet to airline customers in the second half of the year.
Reporters on Monday toured an A350 fitted with monitoring equipment. It will also be displayed to the public for the first time when the airshow starts on Tuesday.
The jet uses advanced composite materials so it's lighter and more fuel efficient. The A350 will allow Airbus to step up competition in the long-haul market dominated by Boeing's 777 and 787 jets.
Airbus engineers say they've been testing the airplane under extreme conditions and it's now entering the certification process.
