British Airways has announced the delivery date for its first Airbus A350. The British flag carrier's first Airbus A350 will arrive in London on Friday 26th of July 2019. Following months of excitement within the aviation community, this delivery will be most welcome.British Airways is expecting to receive its first four Airbus A350-1000 aircraft by the new year. While lacking first-class, the Airbus A350 will be kitted out with the carrier's brand new Club World business class suite. The suites will come as a huge upgrade to the airline's existing business class offering.

July 26th delivery

We've been slowly watching British Airways' first Airbus A350-1000 coming together. From a video showing off painted wingtips in March, to its first flight in early July, the aircraft has captivated many Simple Flying readers and writers. However, the wait has paid off as British Airways has announced the date of the aircraft's delivery.

The first Airbus A350-1000 to be delivered to British Airways is set to arrive in London on July 26th 2019. However, bear in mind that it is always possible that unforeseen circumstances could cause this to change.

First flights

Following the July delivery, the inaugural route of the first British Airways Airbus A350-1000 will operate to Madrid. The purpose of this short route is to allow the carrier's crew to become familiar with the new aircraft. If there are any problems, it is much easier to discover them on a short European hop than at the start of a long haul flight.

British Airways Airbus A350 Delivery
All of the routes BA's A350s are scheduled to operate. Image: GCMap

G-XWBA's first route will be to Madrid. The aircraft will then operate to Madrid for a period before it enters long-haul service. The aircraft was due to begin flying long haul from London to Toronto on October 1st. A week later, the aircraft was then also due to start serving Dubai on the 8th of October. However, things are going better than expected as British Airways will now start flying the aircraft to Dubai on September 2nd. The airline told Simple Flying:

We know how excited our customers are to experience our new A350 and Club Suite. Our new aircraft will start operating to Dubai in early September, followed by Toronto on October 1.

The next two Airbus A350 routes to be served by British Airways are Tel Aviv and Bangalore from December 1st, 2019 and January 1st, 2020 respectively.

Club World cabin

The most exciting part of BA's first Airbus A350 delivery (apart from the painted wingtips) is undoubtedly the aircraft's new business class cabin. British Airways is set to roll out new suites in Club World across the fleet. These will, however, be debuted on the Airbus A350.

British Airways Boeing 777 Club World New York
Business class passengers will benefit from a brand new suite in a 1-2-1 configuration. Photo: British Airways

In a 1-2-1 configuration, the suites will each have direct aisle access. Meanwhile, a closing door provides complete privacy if desired. The new seat forms an enclosed suite with a 21-inch wide seat. When extended, this converts into a lie-flat bed with a length of 79-inches. The British Airways suite has an 18.5-inch screen which provides a gate to gate entertainment experience. Every suite faces away from the aisle.

The Simple Flying team will be on hand to welcome the aircraft to London upon its delivery.

Are you excited to see the first British Airways Airbus A350 in the skies above London? Let us know in the comments below!