Pilots who fly the A350 XWB will feel at home in its advanced cockpit, which inherits the commonality features from Airbus’ fly-by-wire aircraft family while also benefitting from the latest in display technology and integrated modular avionics.

The A350 XWB retains the same excellent handling qualities as the A320, A330/A340 and A380 families, and is flown utilising similar operating procedures. For Airbus-rated pilots, this means reduced training time in the transition from one aircraft to another, as shorter-duration Difference Training classes replace the Full Type Rating course.

Additionally, pilots can fly multiple aircraft types within an Airbus fleet by using the proven Mixed Fleet Flying concept, resulting in significant benefits for airline profitability, pilot productivity and scheduling flexibility.

Airbus is building on its cockpit design heritage in taking the A350 XWB’s display technology a step beyond the A380. Six very large LCD screens replace the 10 large LCDs on the A380, providing ample room to show all flight and system information needed today, with additional display area available for future requirements.

In addition, the A350 XWB’s six identical screens are fully interchangeable and have the same part number for reduced spares requirements, while their advanced design and mature technology cut maintenance costs by up to 80 per cent.