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Project 03
French Bee’s Airbus A350s
Two test Airbus A350s converted into commercial aircraft for French Bee. An exceptional project carried out by Sabena technics in Bordeaux.
Two test Airbus A350s converted into commercial aircraft for French Bee. An exceptional project carried out by Sabena technics in Bordeaux.
Project context
A remarkable transformation
French Bee, the first French low-cost long-haul airline, operates a fleet composed exclusively of Airbus A350 XWB aircraft. Sabena technics has been handling their maintenance since 2016 — a collaboration marked from the outset by a unique challenge: converting two test A350s into fully operational commercial aircraft, in partnership with Airbus, EASA, and the Toulouse Final Assembly Line.
Deployed personnel
A project carried out hand in hand with Airbus
To assess the scale and complexity of the project, Airbus and Sabena technics conducted a thorough analysis of the Bordeaux facilities. A secure environment, free from interference with other operations, was then specially designed. Sabena technics managed to recreate — in record time — the equivalent of the A350 production line within this unique setup. This exceptional facility made it possible to host our engineers and mechanics, as well as Airbus teams from France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, all mobilized to work directly and simultaneously on the structural and electrical interfaces of fully assembled aircraft.
300+ personnel
deployed simultaneously at the Bordeaux facility
Expertise
Cabin outfitting and certification
This exceptional aircraft conversion project allowed Sabena technics to demonstrate its expertise in cabin interior outfitting. Our design office engineers developed the cabin layout in accordance with French Bee’s specifications. We were able to tailor the aircraft interiors to meet the highest standards of comfort and safety required by the airline for long-haul flights. This crucial phase enabled us to personalize the passenger experience while complying with all regulatory requirements.
Expertise & Performance
Expertise and adaptability in the service of our clients
Sabena technics successfully mobilized exceptional expertise to meet the technical and regulatory requirements of a large-scale project.
A project carried out under PART-21 approval, a privilege usually reserved for aircraft manufacturers.
Experienced engineers and technicians to meet a major industrial challenge
Expertise tailored to French Bee’s operational requirements
A custom transformation
"The collaboration with Sabena technics on this project was exemplary. Their ability to manage complex programs and meet tight deadlines was essential in converting these test A350s into commercial aircraft ready for flight."
Did you know?
To date, the first Airbus A350 delivered by Sabena technics for French Bee has achieved the highest reliability of any A350 in operation worldwide.
Explore our other projects
Civil protection operations
The French Civil Protection Agency operates year-round across domestic territories and international zones, with heightened aerial firefighting deployments during summer months. We maintains full airworthiness certification for the agency’s specialized fleet, comprising 12 Canadair CL-415s, 8 Dash 8 Q400s, and 3 Beech 200s.
