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Aviation News December 2006
Airbus A380 is certified air worthy
TOULOUSE,
France (AFP) - The Airbus A380, the world's largest civilian
airliner, has received its air worthiness certificate from US
and European authorities, 10 months before Singapore Airlines is
to get the first commercial model. The certificate was signed by
Patrick Goudou for the European Aviation Safety Agency and John
Hickey for the US Federal Aviation Administration at an Airbus
facility in Toulouse, southern France. Standing in a hanger
before a massive A380, Louis Gallois, chief executive of Airbus
and co-chief executive of the parent group EADS said: "This
double seal of approval represents a key milestone for the A380
program. "It recognises the quality of the work performed
by all those who have worked hard for many years" to
develop the superjumbo jet. Gallois, who was named head of
Airbus in October to resolve chronic production problems with
the A380, said the certification "confirms that the
aircraft is meeting or exceeding the expectations in terms of
performance, range and environnemental friendliness and cabin
comfort. "Both customers and their passengers will love
it," he vowed. Five A380 test aircraft have carried out
more than 800 flights lasting 2,600 hours in a test campaign
that began in April 2005. Singapore Airlines was to have
received its first A380 early this year but delays have
progressively pushed back the plane's arrival. Airbus has said
SIA'S first A380 -- one of 19 ordered by the carrier -- will now
be delivered in October 2007.
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