News Summary: First flight of Airbus A350

News Summary: First flight of Airbus A350 continues race of wide-body planes

HAPPY LANDING: The Airbus A350's maiden flight ended with a safe landing, setting the stage for intensifying competition with U.S. rival Boeing in the wide-body aircraft market.

FLYING CATCHUP: The flight marks a key step to full certification for the jet, which can carry 250 to 400 passengers and is Airbus's best hope for catching up in a long-haul market dominated by Boeing's 787 and 777.

COMPARING STICKERS: List prices for the 787 range from $206 million to $243 million. The A350 lists for $254 million to $332 million. It had 613 orders compared with 890 for the 787.