The “power of Airbus people” in bringing the A350 XWB programme to flight is discussed by Patrick du Ché, the Head of Development Flight Test, who recalls the next-generation jetliner’s maiden takeoff on 14 June 2013, its flyby at the Paris Air Show one week later, followed by the fast-paced test campaign that has logged nearly 2,000 flight hours during the first year of development and certification activity.