Airbus completes first A350 structure

Airbus said Friday it has manufactured an all-composite A350 center wing-box panel, the first structure on the next-generation aircraft it has completed and the largest "monobloc" composite panel it has produced.

The panel, made entirely of carbon and with a surface area of 36 sq. m., was built in Airbus's Nantes plant, which is responsible for manufacturing the A350's center wing box and keel beam. According to the manufacturer, 53% of the aircraft's weight will be composite-based. A350 Program Head Didier Evrard said completion of the panel demonstrates the aircraft "is becoming real" and that Airbus has developed expertise in composite materials.

The manufacturer said it has received 505 A350 orders from 32 customers.