Originally Posted by
JohnnyRockets
I notice several 350 is like this too. Usually they paint the tail first to balance the rudder. I'm guessing it is for airlines and their PR campaigns since it's a new type for most airlines so they painted the wingtips before they normally do.
Painting the rudder first has to do with the balance of the rudder. Although it seems insignificant, the paint on the rudder effects the weight and the rudder has to very carefully balanced. It's easier to paint the rudder first then balance it rather than waiting to paint the rudder with the rest of the plane when it goes to the paint shop, though the A350 appears to be different. When I see brand new 737s arrive at BFI, they usually have the rudder painted but the rest of the plane is unpainted.