Hong Kong Airlines’ first Airbus A350 aircraft has performed its maiden flight in the skies above Toulouse.

The twin-aisle jet took off from the Airbus factory recently for a test flight, and will now undergo further checks and interior fittings before being delivered to Hong Kong Airlines at the end of August.

Hong Kong Airlines has ordered a total of 15 A350-900s, which it will use to expand its long-haul network. This will start on 18 December 2017 with the aircraft’s introduction on the new non-stop Hong Kong-Los Angeles route, which mark the airline’s entry into the US.

The A350s will be configured with 334 seats in two cabins – 33 in business class and 301 in economy.

Hong Kong Airlines is one of several Asian airlines to have placed orders for the A350. The long-haul jet is already in service with Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines and Asiana Airlines, and will also soon enter service with Air China.