Following a series of proving flights to India, Airbus is taking its A380 aircraft to the Far East
Airbus' ultra-large A380 has embarked on the latest in a series of lightning tours, following its recent visit to India.
The A380 development aircraft, MSN7, will demonstrate its capabilities to the Asia-Pacific region, specifically flying to Narita, Japan (4-6 June), Sydney (6-8 June), and Taipei, Taiwan (8-10 June), following airport capability trials at Paris Charles de Gaulle from 1-3 June.
Airbus also flew the A380 to India, where it visited Mumbai, headquarters of its first Indian customer, Kingfisher Airlines, while further tours are also planned for North America, the Middle East, China and a second trip to the Asia-Pacific region.
Given the enormous size of the aircraft, the demonstration tours are designed to ensure the A380 can operate smoothly under typical airline conditions, undergoing ground handling and maintenance tests, as well as airport compatibility.
The A380 has already visited more than 45 airports and by 2011, more than 70 airports will be ready for A380 operations.
Launch customer, Singapore Airlines, has had its first A380 painted in Hamburg, following completion of cabin installation and will be delivered to the carrier in October, followed by Emirates and Qantas.