Airbus A350 to make maiden flight FRENCH aircraft maker Airbus says its new long-haul carrier, the A350, will make its maiden flight on Friday after having successfully passed a series of tests. The company said in a statement the flight would take place at 6pm AEST at the Toulouse-Blagnac airport in southwestern France, "weather conditions permitting." Flight test teams were, however, carrying out a final round of controls before giving "their final green light." Airbus hopes the 314-seater will compete with Boeing's 787 Dreamliner by being both lighter and more fuel-efficient than previous models. The first deliveries of A350s to airlines are scheduled for the second half of 2014. So far, Airbus has received 613 firm orders for the aircraft.