Currently "stored" A350s are:
246/251/260 - Hong Kong Airlines - contractually delivered on 12/31/18
257 - Qatar Airways - final one in the back log (332, the next one after 257, expected to enter FAL end of this month)
274 - Virgin Atlantic Airways - awaiting cabin to be delivered
283/299 - Hong Kong Airlines - next batch awaiting $$$
290 - Etihad Airways - million $ question

So what is the status of QR MSNs 214, 215, 229, 237, 241, 249 and 266? The first two have had their first flights, however the next four are all in primer without engines installed, and thus haven't flown, so wouldn't they also be classified as being "stored" as there has been no activity on these frames for up to 8 months (in the case of MSN 249).

audidudi wrote:

So what is the status of QR MSNs 214, 215, 229, 237, 241, 249 and 266? The first two have had their first flights, however the next four are all in primer without engines installed, and thus haven't flown, so wouldn't they also be classified as being "stored" as there has been no activity on these frames for up to 8 months (in the case of MSN 249).

Gets discussed a lot, the general consensus is that Airbus are finishing off these frames at a rate that suits QR, who have had to slow their expansion plans. No suggestion that they won’t be taken. People used to Boeing’s practices often seem surprised that Airbus frames spend so much time outside during production.

Geoff

frigatebird wrote:

OA940 wrote:

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

The video you are referring to was PAL not VS. None of the VS frames have entered the paint hangar as of yet. No flight tests are imminent either. MSN 274/298 are both in storage near the A380 hangars. MSN 71 is undergoing re-work in the A380 hangars from being a test frame. MSN 319 is in the FAL. I can only presume that they are waiting for cabin interiors to be delivered prior to entering Station 20.

I thought i read somewhere that delivery was scheduled for July/August with EIS early September so there is plenty of time between now and then.

No there was definitely a VS A350 video, I remember that too... Also if they're gonna take it 6 months from now why roll it out nearly a year before?

Some airlines have deferred/cancelled their A35K orders (UA for example). Perhaps it was easier on logistics to move up the VS birds in the production ranking instead of producing 5-6 A35K's at the same time.

The VS video was only of the winglets I believe, there is no VS frame with the tail painted, or full paint. The A350 for VS is the first aircraft type with the new Upper Class product, hence the wait on the cabin install.

I'd also hazard a guess that Virgin wants to take delivery of a couple of frames, before entering the type into service. It's not like they're adding an A320neo into a pool of A320s, they need to have some resilience to maintenance issues without having to sub in different aircraft types.

Geoff1947 wrote:

audidudi wrote:

So what is the status of QR MSNs 214, 215, 229, 237, 241, 249 and 266? The first two have had their first flights, however the next four are all in primer without engines installed, and thus haven't flown, so wouldn't they also be classified as being "stored" as there has been no activity on these frames for up to 8 months (in the case of MSN 249).

Gets discussed a lot, the general consensus is that Airbus are finishing off these frames at a rate that suits QR, who have had to slow their expansion plans. No suggestion that they won’t be taken. People used to Boeing’s practices often seem surprised that Airbus frames spend so much time outside during production.

Geoff

I wonder if QR get some incentive/compensation for allowing other frames to 'push in', or whether it's just a win win for both parties...

JamesCousins wrote:

Geoff1947 wrote:

audidudi wrote:

So what is the status of QR MSNs 214, 215, 229, 237, 241, 249 and 266? The first two have had their first flights, however the next four are all in primer without engines installed, and thus haven't flown, so wouldn't they also be classified as being "stored" as there has been no activity on these frames for up to 8 months (in the case of MSN 249).

Gets discussed a lot, the general consensus is that Airbus are finishing off these frames at a rate that suits QR, who have had to slow their expansion plans. No suggestion that they won’t be taken. People used to Boeing’s practices often seem surprised that Airbus frames spend so much time outside during production.

Geoff

I wonder if QR get some incentive/compensation for allowing other frames to 'push in', or whether it's just a win win for both parties...

Without being privy to the details. You could probably guess that Airbus would be more accommodating to their largest A350 customers needs, than say a customer that only has a handful of orders.

audidudi wrote:

So what is the status of QR MSNs 214, 215, 229, 237, 241, 249 and 266? The first two have had their first flights, however the next four are all in primer without engines installed, and thus haven't flown, so wouldn't they also be classified as being "stored" as there has been no activity on these frames for up to 8 months (in the case of MSN 249).

This is an inaccurate statement. Since the release of the Q Suites (and management of the blockade), QR has been taking delivery of approximately 2x A350s each month (1x 359, 1x 35J). So activity has been progressing at a healthy pace for about a year now. Second, if you were sitting at TLS today, there is only one stored frame (257) at the 380 FL area. 214/215 are painted and flight testing with scheduled delivery this month. 229 is also painted and getting its engines installed. Delivery scheduled in March. 237/241/249/266 are all in Station 20 getting cabin installed (not "stored" as you claim, actually not visible to anyone in TLS as they are in hangars getting worked on). I suspect 237/241 will be delivered in April and 249/266 in May. 257 is probably in June, clearing the backlog for good just in time for the next batch of deliveries starting with 332.

So your doom and gloom of "no activity for up to 8 months" is simply not accurate. Unless you want to classify any frame that is in primer without engines installed as "stored". In which case, the following frames would all be considered "stored": 281/282/237/241/249/266/291/293/296/297/298/300/302/305/65/71/257/274/283/290/295/299/301/303/306/307/308/309

MSN 270 (HX#10) maintenance engine run and taxi test (unpainted)
MSN 273 (AY#13) sporting its final reg (OH-LWN) - delivery imminent
MSN 287 (LH#13) first flight #AIB01HC

MSN249 rolled out of the FAL in June 2018
MSN241 rolled out of the FAL in August 2018
MSN266 rolled out of the FAL in Sept 2018
MSN237 rolled out of the FAL in Nov 2018

So it all depends what YOUR definition of "stored" is; but these four frames have definitely not been "in hangars getting worked on" since the dates that they rolled out of the FAL.
"Stored" means "set aside for future use", which is exactly what happened with these four frames, until the time came for each one to be towed into the Station 20 hangars.

i"m not going to get into a debate with you. you asked for the CURRENT status of these frames. they are NOT CURRENTLY stored. Have they been stored before? Sure. QR's delays have been well documented and no one is debating those. That is now behind them. A quick look at the A380 flightline area will answer that question for you. You can confirm with your Airbus contacts should you not wish to rely on my info.

How many of the tents are still in place in the A380 area?


P.s I know they are a fair bit more than just a tent.

audidudi wrote:

MSN249 rolled out of the FAL in June 2018
MSN241 rolled out of the FAL in August 2018
MSN266 rolled out of the FAL in Sept 2018
MSN237 rolled out of the FAL in Nov 2018

So it all depends what YOUR definition of "stored" is; but these four frames have definitely not been "in hangars getting worked on" since the dates that they rolled out of the FAL.
"Stored" means "set aside for future use", which is exactly what happened with these four frames, until the time came for each one to be towed into the Station 20 hangars.

Rolled out of the FAL is a term which isn’t appropriate to the Airbus production process. Frames move in and out of the various buildings.

Geoff

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

audidudi wrote:

So what is the status of QR MSNs 214, 215, 229, 237, 241, 249 and 266? The first two have had their first flights, however the next four are all in primer without engines installed, and thus haven't flown, so wouldn't they also be classified as being "stored" as there has been no activity on these frames for up to 8 months (in the case of MSN 249).

This is an inaccurate statement. Since the release of the Q Suites (and management of the blockade), QR has been taking delivery of approximately 2x A350s each month (1x 359, 1x 35J). So activity has been progressing at a healthy pace for about a year now. Second, if you were sitting at TLS today, there is only one stored frame (257) at the 380 FL area. 214/215 are painted and flight testing with scheduled delivery this month. 229 is also painted and getting its engines installed. Delivery scheduled in March. 237/241/249/266 are all in Station 20 getting cabin installed (not "stored" as you claim, actually not visible to anyone in TLS as they are in hangars getting worked on). I suspect 237/241 will be delivered in April and 249/266 in May. 257 is probably in June, clearing the backlog for good just in time for the next batch of deliveries starting with 332.

So your doom and gloom of "no activity for up to 8 months" is simply not accurate. Unless you want to classify any frame that is in primer without engines installed as "stored". In which case, the following frames would all be considered "stored": 281/282/237/241/249/266/291/293/296/297/298/300/302/305/65/71/257/274/283/290/295/299/301/303/306/307/308/309

As an aside it is noteworthy that MSN 257 will be the last A350-900 that QR has on order.

Geoff

Geoff1947 wrote:

As an aside it is noteworthy that MSN 257 will be the last A350-900 that QR has on order.

So what about MSN 275? I have that as the last A359 for QR, unless that one has been cancelled.

275 (QR) and 317 (LH) remain "assigned" to their respective customers but no path/plans yet towards entry into production. Obviously 275 will be a 35J if it enters production unless QR changes its order book and adds back 359s to its order. Both could also just not be built like countless other MSNs.

audidudi wrote:

Geoff1947 wrote:

As an aside it is noteworthy that MSN 257 will be the last A350-900 that QR has on order.

So what about MSN 275? I have that as the last A359 for QR, unless that one has been cancelled.

Likely that Airbus assigned this MSN before QR converted 5 -900s to -1000s. Now looks as though it will be an unused MSN.

Geoff

New A350 paint schema for a new customer:


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DzNm6lnV4AEwaf7.jpg:large

MSN #293; EC-NBO, E9 Evelop

MSN 285 (HU#5) initial engine run
MSN 293 (E9#1) rolled out of paint hangar

MSN 273 (AY#13) scheduled to depart shortly on its delivery flight as AY8961. #243. #8 in 2019. #3 in February

Geoff1947 wrote:

audidudi wrote:

Geoff1947 wrote:

As an aside it is noteworthy that MSN 257 will be the last A350-900 that QR has on order.

So what about MSN 275? I have that as the last A359 for QR, unless that one has been cancelled.

Likely that Airbus assigned this MSN before QR converted 5 -900s to -1000s. Now looks as though it will be an unused MSN.

Geoff

And Airbus will not inform us, if that MSN will be used for an A350-1000 instead, moved to a frame for another airline or be dropped. It is even possible for Qatar to change again. We can only wait and see.

there were a lot of questions about the first A35K for Etihad being a white tail or not, it's currently in the FAL and the tail fin in fully painted. So is the one for JAL. Definitly looking forward seeing the A35K in full Etihad livery.

*Just edited* - expect an Air China with a star Alliance livery pretty soon.

cheers

mjoelnir wrote:

Geoff1947 wrote:

audidudi wrote:

So what about MSN 275? I have that as the last A359 for QR, unless that one has been cancelled.

Likely that Airbus assigned this MSN before QR converted 5 -900s to -1000s. Now looks as though it will be an unused MSN.

Geoff

And Airbus will not inform us, if that MSN will be used for an A350-1000 instead, moved to a frame for another airline or be dropped. It is even possible for Qatar to change again. We can only wait and see.

When QR converted 5x from -900 to -1000 they announced that the new -1000s would be IGW versions. The IGW element needs certification so delivery will be later than MSN 275, although they still have current spec -1000s to receive which could perhaps be advanced.

JerseyFlyer wrote:

mjoelnir wrote:

Geoff1947 wrote:

Likely that Airbus assigned this MSN before QR converted 5 -900s to -1000s. Now looks as though it will be an unused MSN.

Geoff

And Airbus will not inform us, if that MSN will be used for an A350-1000 instead, moved to a frame for another airline or be dropped. It is even possible for Qatar to change again. We can only wait and see.

When QR converted 5x from -900 to -1000 they announced that the new -1000s would be IGW versions. The IGW element needs certification so delivery will be later than MSN 275, although they still have current spec -1000s to receive which could perhaps be advanced.

All the evidence suggests MSN 275 is not being built. No parts reportedly seen so it is already several months late entering assembly.

Geoff

DrunkFunk wrote:

there were a lot of questions about the first A35K for Etihad being a white tail or not, it's currently in the FAL and the tail fin in fully painted. So is the one for JAL. Definitly looking forward seeing the A35K in full Etihad livery.
*Just edited* - expect an Air China with a star Alliance livery pretty soon.
cheers

Great insight from inside the FAL! thanks for that. looks like you saw 311 (CA#10/last) which will be Star Alliance sp livery and 315 (EY#2) with a painted tail. in addition to 321 (JL#1) you should have also seen 318 (CZ#1). Plenty of great colors in the factory... 325 (BF#3/4) should also have entered FAL early this week.

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

DrunkFunk wrote:

there were a lot of questions about the first A35K for Etihad being a white tail or not, it's currently in the FAL and the tail fin in fully painted. So is the one for JAL. Definitly looking forward seeing the A35K in full Etihad livery.
*Just edited* - expect an Air China with a star Alliance livery pretty soon.
cheers

Great insight from inside the FAL! thanks for that. looks like you saw 311 (CA#10/last) which will be Star Alliance sp livery and 315 (EY#2) with a painted tail. in addition to 321 (JL#1) you should have also seen 318 (CZ#1). Plenty of great colors in the factory... 325 (BF#3/4) should also have entered FAL early this week.

Very exciting indeed. Thanks a lot for the work you guys are doing informing us.

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

275 (QR) and 317 (LH) remain "assigned" to their respective customers but no path/plans yet towards entry into production. Obviously 275 will be a 35J if it enters production unless QR changes its order book and adds back 359s to its order. Both could also just not be built like countless other MSNs.

Parts for 317 have been seen in XFW according to digitalairliners.com

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

DrunkFunk wrote:

there were a lot of questions about the first A35K for Etihad being a white tail or not, it's currently in the FAL and the tail fin in fully painted. So is the one for JAL. Definitly looking forward seeing the A35K in full Etihad livery.
*Just edited* - expect an Air China with a star Alliance livery pretty soon.
cheers

Great insight from inside the FAL! thanks for that. looks like you saw 311 (CA#10/last) which will be Star Alliance sp livery and 315 (EY#2) with a painted tail. in addition to 321 (JL#1) you should have also seen 318 (CZ#1). Plenty of great colors in the factory... 325 (BF#3/4) should also have entered FAL early this week.

Thank you for all the info!

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

325 (BF#3/4) should also have entered FAL early this week.

MSN 325 is going to be the third for Air Caraibes normally (same group as BF though)

fernousdu972 wrote:

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

325 (BF#3/4) should also have entered FAL early this week.

MSN 325 is going to be the third for Air Caraibes normally (same group as BF though)

I show Air Caraibes as MSN 327 but your information could be more updated than mine.

MSN 215 (QR#37/38-35J) out on a second test flight #AIB02NV
MSN 234 (OZ#8) initial engine run (unpainted)
MSN 265 (JJ#10) out on a second test flight #AIB02GO
MSN 272 (MU#4) new engine run (engine change?)
MSN 280 (PR#5) active at the delivery centre
MSN 286 (CX#32-35J) initial engine run

hkcanadaexpat wrote:

MSN 280 (PR#5) active at the delivery centre

Thanks for this...they may need it fast.

Airbus said this about the A350 production rate in their 2018 results report

A350 deliveries increased compared to 2017 and included 14 of the larger A350-1000s. The programme reached rate 10 in the fourth quarter of 2018. The backlog supports this rate going forward, including the latest commercial discussions with Etihad to reduce its A350 order by 42 A350-900, leaving 20 A350-1000 for Etihad in the backlog. Airbus will continue to improve the A350 programme’s performance to reach breakeven in 2019 and improve margins beyond this.

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-r ... dance.html

So they are now at 10 per month since the end of last year, but it doesn't seem they have plans to increase the production rate even further in the near future.

MSN318 CZ #1 at Station 50

Momo1435 wrote:

Airbus said this about the A350 production rate in their 2018 results report

A350 deliveries increased compared to 2017 and included 14 of the larger A350-1000s. The programme reached rate 10 in the fourth quarter of 2018. The backlog supports this rate going forward, including the latest commercial discussions with Etihad to reduce its A350 order by 42 A350-900, leaving 20 A350-1000 for Etihad in the backlog. Airbus will continue to improve the A350 programme’s performance to reach breakeven in 2019 and improve margins beyond this.

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-r ... dance.html

So they are now at 10 per month since the end of last year, but it doesn't seem they have plans to increase the production rate even further in the near future.

Yes, I think you are right, firmly quashes the rumour that they would go to 13 per month.

Geoff

MSN 234 (OZ#8) RTO - first flight scheduled for Friday (unpainted)
MSN 251 (HX#8) maintenance engine run and taxi test
MSN 280 (PR#5) first CAF #AIB03NA
MSN 285 (HU#5) RTO - first flight scheduled for Friday
MSN 311 (CA#10) rolled out of FAL (star alliance livery)

Awww the lovebus didn't made it for valentines.

First A359 for Japan Airlines LN321 has entered final assembly





https://twitter.com/Airbus/status/10962 ... 65344?s=20







https://twitter.com/FHavg/status/109624 ... 68837?s=20

MSN310 for Ethiopian rolled out from FAL
MSN318 for China Southern at Station 40
MSN319 for Virgin Atlantic at Station 40
MSN321 for Japan Airlines at Station 40
MSN339 for China Southern parts to start arriving

MSN322 for Singapore Airlines at Station 50

MSN 215 (QR#37) out on another test flight #AIB03NV
MSN 224 (OZ#7) initial engine run
MSN 279 (VN#13) new engine run (engine change?)
MSN 280 (PR#5) sporting its final reg (RP-C3507) - delivery next week
MSN 286 (CX#32) RTO Friday morning
MSN 286 (CX#32) first flight Friday afternoon #AIB01HG

MSN 316 (SQ#36) rolled out of FAL
MSN 324 (CX#35-second batch 359s) rolled into FAL

MSN 214 (QR#38) Second test flight today #AIB02NQ
MSN 224 (OZ#7) Taxi check and RTO today.
MSN 279 (VN#13) Second test flight today #AIB02NP

MSN 309 (SQ#35) Rolled out of the FAL

audidudi wrote:

MSN 309 (SQ#35) Rolled out of the FAL

It actually came out two weeks ago as reported on 2/10 in post #190

MSN 277 (DL#13) active at the delivery centre
MSN 280 (PR#5) on its delivery flight as PR5003. #244. #9 in 2019. #4 in February
MSN 284 (CA#8) active at the delivery centre (2/18)

MSN331 (AF #1) parts arriving

MSN 234 (OZ#8) First flight and ferried to XFW for painting #AIB01NT

MSN 224 (OZ#7) First flight today #AIB01NT

Correction to MSN 234 (OZ #8) above...should be #AIB01FJ.

MSN320 HX/HU#_ In Station 50
MSN323 HX/HU_ parts arriving

Edit:

MSN326 BA #1 ready to enter FAL