Airbus delays A350 entry
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Airbus has delayed the launch of its A350 XWB (Extra Wide-Body) aircraft due to a problem with the aircraft’s wings. The new twin-aisle aircraft is now not expected to enter service until the second half of 2014. 
The delay is reported to have been caused by a problem with the drilling of hole in the aircraft’s wings. It is the latest wing setback for Airbus, which was been plagued by a series of small cracks on the wings of its A380s. Airbus said earlier this year that a full fix for its A380s could require each superjumbo to be grounded for up to eight weeks.
The planemaker will want to avoid similar issues with the A350, but will also be keen to avoid significant delivery delays and the compensation packages that may ensue. Qatar Airways is the launch customer of the A350 with orders for 80 aircraft. In total Airbus has firm commitments for 548 A350s from 23 customers. No Indian carrier has placed order for A350 XWB so far.
