The first Airbus A350-1000 has completed its maiden flight in Toulouse.

The aircraft, registered F-WMIL, flew around southwestern France for four hours and 18 minutes. It is the first of three A350-1000 test aircraft and the 59^th A350 frame manufactured by Airbus.

“We have seen today the world’s most modern and efficient passenger aircraft – the A350-1000 – in action for the very first time, adding soon to the successful A350 Family,” said Fabrice Brégier, president and CEO of Airbus. “My congratulations and thanks go to all the teams who have contributed to make today’s flight happen. We are equally pleased that many customers have witnessed this important milestone today together with us – here from our headquarters in Toulouse.”

At 73.78 metres long, the A350-1000 is almost seven metres longer than the A350-900. It has a range of 8,000 nautical miles and a maximum cargo capacity of approximately 21 tonnes.

Airbus plans to deliver the first A350-1000 to launch operator Qatar Airways in the second half of 2017. A total of 195 are currently on order for Air Caraïbes, Air Lease Corporation, Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, LATAM, Qatar Airways, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.