Airbus A380 begins hot weather testing

The tests form part of an overall European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification programme. The certification programme is going well with the aircraft's performance often exceeding expectations. These latest tests are another marker paving the way for certification.

In the hot weather tests, aircraft systems such as Engines, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), Air Conditioning, Hydraulic and Electrical systems are tested on the ground and in flight at outside temperatures in excess of 38 degrees centigrade.

Earlier in 2005, the A380 completed extreme cold weather testing at minus 30 degrees centigrade in Iqaluit, Canada, as well as high altitude tests at 7,000 feet in Medellin, Columbia.

In addition to an Airbus flight crew, the tests will be monitored and verified by a team from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) comprising of a test pilot and two test flight engineers.

It is one of the most environmentally sound aircraft ever built with fuel consumption per passenger equivalent to a small family car. It will also be one of the quietest large aircraft ever, complying with strict noise restrictions at some of the world's busiest airports.

When it enters commercial service, the A380 will allow airlines to grow as passenger traffic increases - a particular advantage in fast growing regions such as Asia, India and the Middle East. The aircraft coming to Al Ain will incorporate the livery of Etihad Airways on its fuselage. Etihad Airways has purchased four A380 aircrafts as part of a $9 billion order for 24 aircrafts in 2004.