By Virgin Atlantic | 10 June 2026 | 5 minute read
The mask may be the detail that catches your eye first, but the A350’s whole silhouette has been shaped with purpose. From its smooth nose to its long swept wings, the aircraft is designed to move cleanly through the air on long-haul flights.
There is a quiet elegance to the A350’s styling. It looks sleek because it has to be sleek. Every curve, edge and surface has a job to do, helping the aircraft balance range, comfort, fuel efficiency and performance.
An aircraft wing may look beautifully simple from the outside, but inside it is a highly complex piece of engineering. At the front of the wing are slats, and at the back are flaps. These high-lift systems increase the wing area during take-off and landing, helping the aircraft fly safely at slower speeds.
The wing also includes ailerons, which help control the roll of the aircraft, and spoilers, which can slow the aircraft in flight and reduce lift after landing. So when you look out of the window and see panels moving across the wing, you are watching one of the A350’s most sophisticated systems at work.
The A350’s design story does not stop at the aircraft door. Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A350-1000s are designed to feel stylish inside as well as out, with modern cabins and Upper Class social spaces including The Loft and The Booth on selected aircraft.