Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism (MLITT) has issued Type Certification for the Airbus A350 XWB, enabling the A350 XWB first customer from the country Japan Airlines to operate the aircraft. The Type Certification covers the aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

Airbus Japan President Stephane Ginoux said: “Receiving the A350 XWB Type Certification from the Japanese authority is a great achievement. We are very pleased that Japan Airlines will soon join other world class carriers flying the world’s most modern widebody aircraft.”

JAL placed an order for 31 A350 XWBs (18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s) in 2013. It was JAL’s first ever order for Airbus aircraft.

The carrier’s first A350-900 is scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year. JAL’s A350 XWB fleet will enter service on major domestic routes starting with its Haneda-Fukuoka route from September, replacing older-generation widebody types.

The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and eco-efficient aircraft family shaping the future of air travel. It is the long-range leader in the large widebody market (300 to 400+ seats). The A350 XWB offers by design unrivalled operational flexibility and efficiency for all market segments up to ultra-long haul (15,000 km). It features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25% reduction in fuel burn and emissions. The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience.

At the end of March 2019, the A350 XWB Family had received 890 firm orders from 50 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.