Airbus’s new A350 plane glided smoothly through its maiden flight on Friday, leaving company executives relieved and brimming with confidence for the battle with Boeing that lies ahead.

Designed to help the European manufacturer catch up with its American rival in the market for long-haul, fuel-efficient planes, the new Airbus completed a faultless test flight from an airport close to the company’s headquarters in southern France.

After just over four hours in the air, the new plane touched down to jubilant cheers from thousands of Airbus employees and aviation enthusiasts who had assembled to watch the landmark flight.

“We were on time and everything went perfectly,” relieved Airbus boss Fabrice Bregier said after watching his “new baby” cruise past the crowds on the ground at a height of just 100 meters before looping round against clear blue skies and coming in to land.

Airbus needed Friday’s showcase to pass off without any hiccups in order to maximize the potential for further orders. (AFP)