Airbus has secured Chinese validation of the A350 type certificate which will enable the airframer to begin handing over the twinjets to Chinese carriers.

Commercial aircraft president Guillaume Faury disclosed the approval at an investor briefing during the Farnborough air show on 18 July.

Faury says the Chinese validated type certificate was obtained two days ago, and that this “paves the way for delivery”.

Carriers including Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines have ordered A350s. Sichuan Airlines was also confirmed as an A350 customer over the course of the Farnborough show.

Air China’s first A350-900 conducted its maiden flight in early June.

Source: Cirium Dashboard