Dear all,
I had the very nice opportunity to be invited by THAI & Airbus for the delivery ceremony and ferry flight of their 1st Airbus A350-900 XWB from Toulouse, France all the way to Bangkok, Thailand.
This is not a typical report (eg: catering served) but I still hope you will enjoy the experience and the pictures.
Click Here for the full Trip Report
Synopsis of the trip report:
On August 30th, 2016 Thai Airways International became the world’s 8th airline to receive the delivery of a brand new Airbus A350-900, the newest high-tech long-haul widebody aircraft from the European aircraft manufacturer. Thai Airways has a total of 12 A350s on order, of which 8 will be leased from the U.S. aircraft lessor CIT Aerospace. The new aircraft will replace the Thai carrier’s older Boeing 777s and operate long-haul routes from Thailand to Oceania and Japan. The Thai A350 may also be deployed to Europe alongside the A380 whalejet.
The iconic Airbus delivery center, where customers receive new aircraft
The day starts with check-in for the delivery flight to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi.
Thai’s first A350XWB is registered HS-THB and baptised "Wichian Buri"
The two most recognizable features of the A350: the winglet and the raccoon mask windshield.
The captain himself greets passengers, accompanied by two cabin crew.
The seating configuration in Business class is a spacious 1-2-1, giving each passenger aisle access. The seats are the Solstys model by European manufacturer Stelia, a subsidiary of the Airbus Group.
In Economy, the seating configuration is a comfortable 9 abreast. As on other Thai Airways aircraft, the seats are colorful.
The tail camera on the A350 offers a higher quality image than those on the older A380s.
We’re off for the 12 hour+ flight to Bangkok.
On this special flight, Economy class passengers are treated to Roederer champagne offered by the CEO of Thai Airways himself.
Canapés follow the champagne service.
The four course meal service is not your typical Economy class fare with high-end products.
Another view of the beautiful winglet in the morning light.
The Rolls Royce engine reaching the end of its maiden long-haul flight.
Many Thai Airways and airport employees are out on the tarmac to take photos and greet the new A350.
Nice view of the tail upon deplaning.
On the other side of the hangar, A380 HS-TUB is in for a C-check.
All in all a fantastic flight and once again
click Here for the full version of this Trip Report