Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — King Abdulaziz International Airport greeted the world's newest, most modern and efficient aircraft, the A350 XWB, which had a stopover in Jeddah while on its region demo tour. The aircraft landed in Jeddah on Tuesday and was welcomed by representatives of Saudi Airlines, Saudi Private Aviation, aviation and media. Following a brief session by Airbus seniors, guests and journalists took part in a demo tour aboard the aircraft, during which the unique design, comfort, ultra-modern materials of the cabin, and the most advanced and distinctive wraparound cockpit. Airbus executive manager in Saudi Arabia Abdullah Mulatt said "we are happy to bring the state-of-the-art airbus A350 XWB to Saudi Arabia for the first time and we have a very high expectation that Saudi Airlines will join our client list." He noted that Airbus and Saudi Airlines enjoy a great relationship which started in 1984 when the first A300-600 delivered to Saudi Airlines. For passengers, the A350 XWB brings new levels of in-flight comfort, with more personal space in all classes. In the premium cabin airlines can install the most luxurious lie-flat seats, while the extra wide fuselage allows for comfortable full service or budget layouts in economy class. The aircraft also features wider panoramic windows, larger overhead stowage compartments and a new draught-free air conditioning system, as well as the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems. At the end of June 2015, the A350 XWB had won 781 firm orders worldwide from 40 customers. Airbus is currently doing a combined test and promotional tour with their Airbus A350. While it as a chance to show off the new aircraft, Airbus also have the opportunity to test the technology in a variety of situations, including different climates and continents, to hopefully detect any teething problems before the aircraft is put into commercial operation. — SG
