The first Airbus A350-1000, MSN59, took off for its maiden flight from Blagnac in Toulouse at 10:42 a.m. local time Thursday, Nov. 24. The aircraft landed after flying for 4 hours and 18 minutes and completing a low fly pass.

Transport Canada and the EASA have awarded both variants of the Bombardier CSeries with the Same Type Rating, which Bombardier said will provide airlines with “significant cost-saving opportunities.”

Bombardier has reassured airlines that ramp-up issues associated with the PW1500G geared turbofan engine powering the CSeries are being resolved, and the manufacturer is expressing confidence about CSeries deliveries and sales in 2017.

Uber’s recent report outlining its vision for the potential of autonomous flying cars has captured the imagination of city dwellers and commuters worldwide. Who wouldn’t enjoy care-free flying in 10 years that eliminates gridlock at 200mph?

UAE-based low-cost carrier Air Arabia has converted five options for Airbus A320s into firm orders, the airline said Nov. 23. The order, for the current A320ceo version, is worth $485 million at book value.

Fiji Airways has committed to ordering five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to replace its narrowbody fleet of four 737-800s and one 737-700.

In any Iran commercial aircraft deals, financing remains the unanswered question, and a new U.S. House bill makes the options clearer.

The fourth Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. MRJ90 flight test aircraft made its first flight in Japan Nov. 22.