Here's The First A350-1000 for Launch Customer Qatar Airways
The latest variant of the A350, the A350-1000, is preparing to enter commercial service, almost a year since it first took to the skies.
Fast forward to this week at Airbus HQ in Toulouse, when I joined the launch customer for Airbus' latest product, Qatar Airways to take an exclusive first look at the first A350-1000 jet that will soon enter commercial service, already wearing Qatar's Oryx livery. The Doha-based airline was also the first operator of the shorter A350-900. The A350-1000 will enter service with QSuites, Qatar's new and much-admired business class (here's how to search and book it using miles.)
The A350-1000 is not only 7m (23ft) longer, it's also slightly more powerful thanks to its Rolls Royce Trent XWB-97 engines with 97,000 lb of take-off thrust each, versus 93,000lb on the smaller -900 version.
In terms of aligning the jet against the competition, its direct competitor is Boeing's existing 777-300ER, and possibly future 777 models in the near future, such as the 777-9. The 1000 would typically seat around 350 passengers, or 50 more than the 900 model.
Here's a video showing the aircraft in the hangar:
The Oryx livery and burgundy colors certainly compliment the larger jet.
The aircraft is currently undergoing the final stages of cabin installation and integration, as well as cockpit fitting. The A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft share the same type rating, meaning pilots trained on one variant are also able to fly the other. In addition to this, 95% of the onboard systems are exactly the same.
Furthermore, A350-1000 wings have an extended trailing edge (meaning the wings are around 4% larger, with slight alterations to ailerons and flaps) making the jet heavier overall, but enabling it to have a lower approach speed.
In addition to this, A350-1000 features a new six-wheel main landing gear, to better support the added weight of the new jet. That's an easy visual cue to distinguish it from the -900, which has four wheels, not six. It also means touchdowns should be a little smoother, with the weight distributed on more wheels.
At the current stage of cabin fit, all cabin elements such as lavatories, doors and closets are installed, and this aircraft has already been fitted with Qatar's QSuite Business Class cabin — which we think is the best business class in the skies at the moment. You can see the IFE tests taking place on QSuite seats through the windows here:
The aircraft will feature 46 Qsuites and 281 economy seats. QSuites will include 22 forward-facing and 26 rear-facing business class suites, with the middle suites able to convert to six double beds, and six quad suites.
The signature A350 "sunglasses" around the cockpit have been applied in the image below, as the aircraft prepares to begin test flights.
Unlike the Boeing 777-300ER's featuring Qatar's QSuites, the A350-1000 aircraft are equipped with Wi-Fi.
And here's a little sneak peek at the welcome panel, situated at Door 2 of the aircraft. Unfortunately, photographing the details of the cabin further than this point was not allowed.
While preparation for Qatar's first A350-1000 continues, the A350-1000 as an aircraft type is awaiting the necessary type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Airbus told me that the certification process is in the "final paperwork stage" and the company expects full certification of the A350-1000 to be granted by EASA by the end of November.
With the certification on track, and the cabin fit well underway — the A350-1000 will soon be entering the world of commercial flights. As it marks a milestone in the aviation world, the team in Toulouse and myself decided to test the PA system for Qatar's latest jet....
Airbus has sold 37 A350-1000s to Qatar Airways, making them the largest operator, for now. Sales of the second-biggest Airbus airplane behind the A380 have been slow, with the -900 model faring much better.
Stay tuned for more updates about the new Airbus A350-1000.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.