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Airlines

Airbus A380 Flight Test Programme Advances with Second Test Aircraft Joining the Fleet

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The second A380 superjumbo jet has joined the flight test programme, six months after the first aircraft began testing its engines, systems, and materials under extreme weather conditions and altitude. The second test aircraft underwent its maiden flight above Toulouse and south west France, marking a significant milestone in the programme. Charles Champion, head of the A380 programme, expressed confidence in the programme's progress, stating that the tests are going better than expected and that the A380 will deliver a great aircraft that meets the expectations of airlines and brings a step change to air transport.

Key Takeaways:

  • The second A380 test aircraft has joined the flight test programme, six months after the first aircraft began testing.
  • The second test aircraft underwent its maiden flight above Toulouse and south west France.
  • The first A380 has made 105 flights since April 27 and logged 366 flight hours, ahead of the test programme schedule.
  • Five A380 aircraft will be involved in the programme, which will clock up more than 2500 flight hours.
  • The programme aims to deliver the world's largest commercial airliner to the first operator, Singapore Airlines, in late 2006.
  • The A380 has already attracted 159 orders from 16 customers, with Airbus needing to sell 250 jets to break even on its £8bn development costs.
  • The A320 aircraft, delivered to Air Berlin and its partner NIKI, will be used on routes to holiday destinations and Euro Shuttle destinations across Europe.
  • The A380's development costs have been estimated at £8bn, with the programme aiming to break even on sales of 250 aircraft.

Statistics:

  • 105 flights made by the first A380 since April 27.
  • 366 flight hours logged by the first A380.
  • 159 orders for the A380 from 16 customers.
  • 250 A380 aircraft that Airbus needs to sell to break even on development costs.
  • £8bn estimated development costs of the A380 programme.
  • 5 A380 aircraft involved in the flight test programme.
  • Over 2500 flight hours to be clocked up by the programme.
  • 60 A320 aircraft ordered by Air Berlin.
  • 10 A320 aircraft ordered by NIKI.

Sources:

  • "A Second A380 Takes to the Skies"

(Daily Mail, 26 April [APRIL 26, 2003], page 14, 1957-46)

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