Qatar Airways welcomed the world´s first Airbus A350 XWB (Xtra Wide Body) and its fourth A380 in Doha on Wednesday. According to a statement issued on Thursday, the delivery of the newest members of Qatar Airways´ fleet of 146 aircraft are the first of 80 A350s and the fourth of 13 A380s on order and mark yet another major 2014 milestone for the five-star airline. "The A350 aircraft, for which Qatar Airways is the global launch customer, is set to commence service on the Doha-Frankfurt route starting January 2015," the statement added.

The world´s first A350 XWB aircraft flew to Doha from France, following the handover ceremony and press conference which were attended by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, senior Airbus and Rolls Royce officials, and more than 150 international media in Toulouse.

Welcoming the arrival of Qatar Airways´ first A350 XWB aircraft and its latest A380 in Doha, Al Baker said: "We take immense pride in taking delivery of two aircraft at the same time joining our modern and dynamic fleet that is connecting the world. As 2015 commences, we are looking forward to a new period of enhanced growth with our fleet setting fresh benchmarks for the aviation industry."