A350 Formation
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Norf West by West
A350 Formation
I thought this was quite impressive 
video The A350 XWB test fleet joins up in formation flight - airbus, aircraft, airplane - videos AIRBUS
video The A350 XWB test fleet joins up in formation flight - airbus, aircraft, airplane - videos AIRBUS
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: london
We noticed a close formation of what seemed to be three sizeable aircraft crossing London at high level yesterday evening from north to south at around 1815.
This video may explain what they were (although the video is obviously filmed over France).
This video may explain what they were (although the video is obviously filmed over France).
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: UK
Probably because they've only just got EASA certification. See this article dated 30th Sept.
EASA Certifies Airbus A350-900 | Commercial Aviation content from Aviation Week
EASA Certifies Airbus A350-900 | Commercial Aviation content from Aviation Week
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From: Everett, WA
Just because a flight test airplane is painted in a customer's colors doesn't mean it's in delivery configuration.
"Normal" procedure with a new aircraft is the first couple flight test aircraft air painted in some special manufacturer livery. But follow on flight test aircraft will be painted in the eventual customer airline livery, even though they are far from production configuration.
It'll take months of refurb before any of those flight test aircraft are fit for delivery to a customer. Often the very first flight test aircraft never is delivered - it stays in the manufactures inventory (e.g. very first 747, 757, and 767 were never delivered, and several of the first 787s will never be delivered but that's a different story all together)
"Normal" procedure with a new aircraft is the first couple flight test aircraft air painted in some special manufacturer livery. But follow on flight test aircraft will be painted in the eventual customer airline livery, even though they are far from production configuration.
It'll take months of refurb before any of those flight test aircraft are fit for delivery to a customer. Often the very first flight test aircraft never is delivered - it stays in the manufactures inventory (e.g. very first 747, 757, and 767 were never delivered, and several of the first 787s will never be delivered but that's a different story all together)
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Reading, UK
There certainly is an aircraft in Qatari livery in the video.
http://www.air-journal.fr/2014-10-03...s-5116866.html
Gnome de PPRuNe
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From: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Saucy Jack, your sighting seems to coincide with these Typhoons.
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: The Winchester
FWIW The aircraft carrying in hybrid Qatari colours has been around for a few weeks now... confused the **** out of me the first time I saw it.
Indeed, not a million miles from Chez nous...pity I was away on a trip when they did the formation though I think I can spot my kids waving in one of the shots..
although the video is obviously filmed over France
