“The perfectly curved shape of the nose helps the air flow hug the surface, in the least turbulent manner, thereby reducing drag. The emblematic “Ray-Ban” like black windshield eases the window's maintenance and contributes to harmonising the thermal condition of this temperature-sensitive window area.

The distinctive "raccoon mask" or black windshield wrap on the Airbus A350 (and now the A330neo) serves both a functional and a branding purpose. Functionally, the black paint helps to regulate temperature around the cockpit window frames. Because the A350 uses advanced curved glass windows, the black coating helps to absorb heat and minimize thermal expansion differences between the glass and the carbon-fiber fuselage, reducing the risk of window cracking or seal failure. It also helps to reduce glare for the pilots, as the dark matte finish absorbs sunlight that might otherwise reflect off the nose of the aircraft into the cockpit. From a branding perspective, Airbus introduced the "mask" to give the A350 a futuristic, recognizable "face" in a crowded sky of similar-looking twin-engine jets. This design element proved so popular with enthusiasts and airlines that it has become a signature mark of the "New Generation" Airbus widebody family, symbolizing the high-tech, composite-heavy engineering that allows the A350 to be one of the most efficient long-haul planes in the world.