British Airways’ first Airbus A350 aircraft is being put through its paces with extensive service trials ahead of it starting long-haul flying to Dubai on September 2.

Not only is the Airbus A350 quieter than some of its predecessors, the state-of the-art aircraft has 25% lower fuel burn significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

Since its arrival, the A350 has flown over 15,400 miles between London Heathrow and Madrid completing over 40 take-offs and landings to further familiarise the airline’s crew with the service they will deliver on the new aircraft.

British Airways had on on July 29, taken delivery of the first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft featuring the airline's latest generation business class seat, Club Suite. See the Club Suite here.

Designed for today's customer, British Airways’ Club Suite offers direct-aisle access, a door for greater privacy and luxurious flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. It features 40% more storage, including a vanity unit and mirror, WiFi, 18.5-inch inflight entertainment screens, high definition gate-to-gate programming, and PC/USB power.

British Airways’ Airbus A350 will initially operate on selected services to Dubai from September 2, followed by flights to to Toronto, Tel Aviv and Bangalore this year.

Prices to Dubai start from £1956 return. Customers can reduce the cost of the ticket using Avios part payment, paying up to £954.72 and 186,600 Avios.