(CNN) -- Airbus test pilots and managers celebrated Friday after the long-awaited inaugural flight of the Airbus A350 XWB went off without a hitch. Aviation enthusiasts around the world had their eyes on France as the aircraft took off from Toulouse-Blagnac airport around 10 a.m. local time and landed safely about four hours later. The test crew waved an Airbus flag from a hatch above the cockpit as the aircraft taxied after its successful maiden journey. The crew, who emerged to applause from waiting friends and family, said the aircraft proved easy to handle and performed well throughout the test program.
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The first A350 XWB test flight comes to a successful end in Toulouse, France
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"I knew it was going to be impressive, but I was blown away," says Airbus COO
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The A350 is designed to go head-to-head with rival Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and 777s
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There's still no confirmation of an A350 XWB appearance at Paris Air Show
Bregier said he had set a target nine months ago of completing the first test flight before the upcoming @placeholder.