newstodate.aero
Nov 15, 2006 (newstodate): While production of the Airbus A380 aircraft lags severely behind schedule, the certification process is right on target.
As one of the final steps for its Type Certification, expected in mid-December, the Airbus A380 has now begun a series of global route proving flights.
Departing from Toulouse, France, on November 13, the no. 2 A380 headed for its first destination, Singapore. This will be followed by a stopover in Seoul, Korea today, with the aircraft returning to Toulouse via Singapore on 16 November.
The second route proving trip will involve a 17 November evening departure from Toulouse for a flight to Hong Kong. It will be followed by a landing in Narita, Japan on 19 November, with the A380 returning to Toulouse the next day.
The third trip begins on 21 November, taking the aircraft to Guangzhou, China (22 November), and Beijing and Shanghai (23 November). Departing from Shanghai on 24 November, the A380 then returns to Toulouse on the same day.
Wrapping up the route proving will be a flight around the globe via both poles, departing Toulouse on 25 November to reach Johannesburg, South Africa on 26 November. The A380 continues on 27 November over the South Pole to Sydney, Australia, where it will arrive on 28 November. Departing Sydney on 29 November, it will fly across the Pacific to Vancouver, Canada prior to returning to Toulouse via the North Pole with an arrival on 30 November.
As one of the final steps for its Type Certification, expected in mid-December, the Airbus A380 has now begun a series of global route proving flights.
Departing from Toulouse, France, on November 13, the no. 2 A380 headed for its first destination, Singapore. This will be followed by a stopover in Seoul, Korea today, with the aircraft returning to Toulouse via Singapore on 16 November.
The second route proving trip will involve a 17 November evening departure from Toulouse for a flight to Hong Kong. It will be followed by a landing in Narita, Japan on 19 November, with the A380 returning to Toulouse the next day.
The third trip begins on 21 November, taking the aircraft to Guangzhou, China (22 November), and Beijing and Shanghai (23 November). Departing from Shanghai on 24 November, the A380 then returns to Toulouse on the same day.
Wrapping up the route proving will be a flight around the globe via both poles, departing Toulouse on 25 November to reach Johannesburg, South Africa on 26 November. The A380 continues on 27 November over the South Pole to Sydney, Australia, where it will arrive on 28 November. Departing Sydney on 29 November, it will fly across the Pacific to Vancouver, Canada prior to returning to Toulouse via the North Pole with an arrival on 30 November.