KLM’s first Airbus A350 completes maiden test flight

TOULOUSE — KLM’s first Airbus A350 completed its maiden test flight on Friday from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, marking another step toward its planned delivery to the Dutch airline.

The aircraft is currently flying under the test registration F-WZNM. After delivery to KLM, it will be registered PH-ZNA and named De Nachtwacht. It has already been painted in KLM’s familiar livery.

During the test flight over southern France, several aircraft systems were checked. A day earlier, the aircraft also completed a Rejected Takeoff test.

KLM expects to receive the aircraft by the end of summer. Its first commercial passenger flight is scheduled for October 23, with Toronto as the inaugural destination.

KLM will receive 22 Airbus A350-900s in total, part of a joint Air France-KLM order for 50 aircraft. The remaining 28 will go to Air France.