Airbus A350 takes off on maiden flight

The A350, the newest aircraft from European plane manufacturer Airbus, has taken off on its maiden test flight.

The Airbus A350 is designed to be more fuel-efficient, and a direct competitor to US rival Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

It is seen as vital to the future of Airbus, which competes with Boeing to supply the majority of the world's airlines with new planes.

The plane took off from Blagnac airstrip in Toulouse, France, for a short flight in which various tests will be carried out.