Airbus SAS will seek permission to fly its new A350 jet with more advanced lithium batteries only after first using a standard nickel-cadmium model in a bid to secure faster approval, said the program director for the A350.
The two flying A350 test aircraft are still equipped with lithium packs, while the first models to enter into service will feature nickel cadmium. Airbus plans to gain certification of the newer technology about a year into regular commercial operation in 2014, said Didier Evrard, head of the A350 program.
