Etihad pilots test-fly Airbus A380 in Al Ain

The Etihad-branded A380 has been conducting heat testing in Al Ain throughout the last week.

Following the completion of the tests, two of Etihad's senior pilots, Capt. Helmut Weixler, VP Operations and Capt. Cipriano Kritzinger, A380 Fleet Chief, were able to fly the aircraft.

"For a pilot, flying the A380 for the very first time is a tremendously exciting experience. It is the largest passenger aircraft ever made and will make history when it comes into service," said Capt. Weixler.

The heat testing for the A380 was interrupted on Monday, 24 July, when the A380 was on special display at Abu Dhabi International Airport, alongside Etihad's new A340-500 aircraft.

Spectators in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi were given a rare glimpse of the aircraft as it flew over the UAE, before landing at the capital's airport for a VIP and media gathering.

Etihad has four A380s on order which forms part of an US$8 billion, 24-strong order, placed with Airbus for new aircraft which was signed in 2004.

The A380 can accommodate up to 555 Guests in a standard three-zone configuration, and its fuel-efficient design results in 15-20 percent lower seat-mile costs.