On June 14, 2013, aircraft manufacturer Airbus declared the maiden flight of its new passenger jet to be successful. With the latest announcement, the company decided to take over the leadership from Boeing, in terms of long-haul aircraft market. The test aircraft of the Airbus A350 took off from the Toulouse base of the company and landed back in the same place around four hours later.

The test flight was focusing on the basic handling of the aircraft and speed capability. The flight also demonstrated the satisfaction of the crew, as one of them unfurled the Airbus flag from the cockpit immediately as soon as it touched down. The company has full confidence that the new A350 will help it to cut down the domination of the Boeing in the lucrative aircraft market.

The company will be providing a strong alternative to the US manufacturer’s new 787 Dreamliner and its popular 777 Jet. The chief executive of Airbus, Fabrice Bregier said, “We are talking about a market of 6,000 long-range aircraft for the next 20 years, and we want to have more than 50 per cent of this market.” The Europe-based manufacturer is hoping that the A350 can do a fly past at the Paris air show next week.