Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) first Airbus A350-1000, anticipated to become the flagship of the flag carrier’s long-haul fleet, successfully completed its maiden test flight from Airbus headquarters in Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS), France. The milestone flight, recorded under the callsign AIB01FZ with hexcode 38903B, marks a major step toward the aircraft’s final handover to PAL in the coming weeks.
The aircraft, bearing Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 758 and currently flying under its temporary French registration F-WZFZ, is expected to enter the Philippine registry as RP-C3510 once delivered. According to FlightRadar24 data, the widebody aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a top speed of 551 knots, showcasing impressive performance during its initial evaluation.
The A350-1000 departed Toulouse (TLS) at 1157H local time (1857H Philippine Standard Time), climbing steadily before performing various checks over the French region. After nearly four hours in the air, it returned to Toulouse (TLS) at 1556H local time (2256H PhST), logging a total flight duration of 3 hours and 59 minutes.
Conducting a maiden test flight is a crucial requirement in the production and delivery process of any new commercial aircraft. For Airbus, this initial flight serves as a comprehensive systems check that validates the aircraft’s structural integrity, flight controls, avionics, engines, and overall airworthiness before it proceeds to the next phases of testing or customer acceptance trials.
For Philippine Airlines, the successful completion of this test flight signals that the aircraft has reached a high level of readiness. It indicates that Airbus is nearing the final stages of certification, interior installation checks, and post-production inspections, paving the way for PAL’s own acceptance flights and eventual delivery.
The A350-1000 is expected to play a central role in PAL’s future long-haul expansion, particularly for routes to North America and Europe, where fleet modernization and fuel-efficient operations are key. With its extended range, reduced fuel burn, and enhanced passenger comfort, the type is set to elevate the airline’s international service standards.
Filipino AvGeeks Anticipate Arrival
The arrival of PAL’s first A350-1000 has become one of the most closely watched aviation developments in the Philippines. Members of the local AvGeek community, plane spotters, and aviation enthusiasts have been actively tracking the aircraft’s progress from assembly to testing. Its upcoming ferry flight to Manila is expected to draw significant interest, with many excited to witness the newest flagship enter Philippine skies for the first time.
As Airbus continues its final preparations, the successful maiden test flight brings PAL one step closer to welcoming RP-C3510 — ushering in a new chapter for the airline’s long-haul operations. Mabuhay!