The first phase of A350 XWB route-proving flights took Airbus’ newest jetliner from Toulouse, France over the North Pole to Iqaluit Airport in the Canadian territory of Nunavut.

On its return flight, the A350-900 made a stopover in Frankfurt, Germany for visits by personnel from Lufthansa, one of the 38 customers placing firm orders for the A350 Family to date.

The world route proving flights are demonstrating the A350-900 version’s readiness for airline operations, and will include operations to14 major airports worldwide.