Qatar Airways launches first A350 XWB plane to Singapore

Qatar Airways became the first airline to fly the world's newest A350 XWB aircraft when its flight QR944 landed at Singapore's Changi Airport at 3.07pm Monday to a water cannon salute.

Qatar Airways is the global launch customer for Airbus A350 XWB. It is the only airline to currently fly the world’s newest wide-body aircraft.

Following Frankfurt, Singapore is only the second route for the world's newest aircraft.

Qatar Airways contributed significantly to the new aircraft's design in partnership with French manufacturer Airbus, and Rolls-Royce the engine manufacturer.

Speaking at the welcome ceremony held at Changi Airport Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer Marwan Koleilat said, "The A350 XWB is the third and final major new aircraft in a decade and Qatar Airways is delighted to be the first global airline to fly this state-of-the-art aircraft into Singapore and Asia Pacific." Qatar's national carrier currently operates a double-daily service to Singapore with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the aircraft will be progressively replaced by the next-generation A350 XWB.

Later this summer, Qatar Airways will add an additional daily flight to Singapore. All three daily flights will be operated using the A350 XWB by mid-August.

Triple Daily Doha – Singapore Schedules from 1st June 2015: Departure in Doha QR944 at 02:25, arriving in Singapore at 15:15 Departure from Singapore QR945 02:30, arriving in Doha at 05:05 Departure in Doha QR938 at 07:00, arriving in Singapore at 19:50 Departure from Singapore QR939 at 21:20, arriving in Doha at 23:55 Departure in Doha QR942 at 20:25, arriving in Singapore at 09:15 (next day) Departure from Singapore QR943 10:40, arriving in Doha at 13:15.