AIRBUS has reported on progress of the A380 which made its maiden flight on 27 April, starting an 18-month test programme leading to type certification towards the end of this year, in time for planned first delivery to Singapore Airlines. By the end of 2005 three A380s had flown, all powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, having accumulated close to 800 flight hours in some 220 flights. The Engine Alliance GP 7000 has now received its type certificate from the FAA and the first example has been fitted to an airframe. Eleven aircraft have now been assembled including two static and fatigue airframes together with the test aircraft eventually bound for Singapore Airlines and Emirates. Our website photograph was taken through the aircraft”s window over the Guadeloupe coastline during the successful completion of high altitude tests.
http://www.airbus.com