The latest long-haul design by Airbus entered service on January 15 when Qatar Airways' first A350 XWB flew its maiden revenue service. The airline was so sure of the potential of the Airbus A350 it ordered 60 at the Paris Air Show on June 13, 2005 before the design was even frozen. Other potential customers were less impressed, causing Airbus to undertake a redesign which led to changes including a widened fuselage and a new, larger wing. The new design was unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow the following year, the manufacturer renaming it the A350 XWB (Xtra Wide Body). Orders then came in quick succession, including some first-time Airbus customers such as Japan Airlines (31) and Ethiopian Airlines (12). Meanwhile Singapore Airlines ordered 70, Etihad Airways 62 and Cathay Pacific 46. The current total is 780 firm orders across three variants, the -800, -900 and -1000; although, with only a handful of orders, the future of the -800 is in doubt.
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