A350 MN1. Image courtesy Airbus.

Out now is the latest issue of AIR International, which includes my progress report on the Airbus A350 XWB – Europe’s newest airliner.

The wide-ranging piece looks at the various delays that have affected the project, the progress made in assembling the first flight test aircraft (known as MSN1) and what’s happening with the programme on the orders front.

This week (sadly after the magazine had gone to print) Airbus announced Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines had been installed on MSN1 – another big milestone.

It was interesting to look at the programme – especially as the UK has such a close involvement with it, making the engines and the wings.

The issue of AIR International also has features on two Russian cargo heavyweights, the An-124 Ruslan, the An-225 Myria, a supplement on the EA-18G and more besides.