Air China (CA, Beijing Capital) has taken delivery of its first A350-900 following the handing over of B-1086 (msn 167) on Wednesday, August 8. The aircraft was subsequently ferried to Beijing Capital.

Schedule data shows the twinjet will make its commercial debut on August 14 with flights from Beijing to Shanghai Hongqiao followed by Chengdu Shuangliu the day after. A350 service from Beijing to Guangzhou will then start from September 3 onwards. International deployment is expected to take place before year-end with emphasis on developing the Shanghai Pudong-Europe market niche.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, Air China’s A350-900s feature a total of 312 seats including 32 in business, 24 in premium economy, and 256 in economy.

Air China has ten A350-900s on order from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) of which six will be delivered this year and four next year.