Wearing the livery of Qatar Airways, the first Airbus A350 XWB to begin scheduled service to the United States landed at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on the morning of Friday, January 1st. Flight 727 arrived in Philadelphia on time after a nonstop flight from Doha International Airport (DOH). After three hours on the ground, it took to the skies once more with a surprisingly quiet takeoff back to Doha.
The first scheduled A350-XWB flight to the United States, moments before touching down at PHL.
Travelling approximately 6,800 miles, the flight connects the 6th-largest metropolitan area in the United States with the capital of Qatar in just over 13 hours. Travelers on this advanced airliner enjoy amenities such as an “Extra Wide Body” cabin and dynamic LED lighting that helps to reduce the effects of jetlag. The primarily composite fuselage allows higher air pressures inside, resulting in a lower ‘cabin altitude’, as well as increased humidity levels. All of these features are sure to maximize passenger comfort on very long flights such as this one.
Thanks to its composite construction, enhanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge powerplant technology, the A350 capably replaces a Boeing 777LR that had previously been flying the DOH-PHL route. The new aircraft promises significant fuel savings and lower carbon emissions over the Boeing twin.
The first A350 flight to depart PHL, moments after lifting off.
Friday’s inaugural flight was operated by A7-ALD, the tenth A350 XWB built by Airbus. It is the fourth of 42 A350-941 aircraft that Qatar Airways has on order. The airline has also ordered the longer A350-1000, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2017.
William Rizzo started watching airplanes land behind his house when he was 10 years old, and finally started taking pictures of them in 1997. As a psychologist with experience in treating posttraumatic stress, he also supports air safety research and clinical interventions for victims of aviation disasters. His doctoral dissertation examines the mental health services provided to such affected individuals. One day he may actually finish getting his pilot’s license.
All photos by William Rizzo
