A340 in Darwin?

[tarmac12]

Just wondered if anyone knew what an A340 still in Airbus factory colours was doing parked in Darwin? Has Strategic bought one?

Anyone got any ideas.

Thanks

[Tight Anium]

A340 arrives in Top End for ice testing | Northern Territory News | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia | ntnews.com.au (http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/03/04/129221_ntnews.html)

[Capt Claret]

I believe it's the oldest A340-300, about 17 years, and Airbus is using it to flight test new pitot (possibly static too) system after the Air France accident last year.

Lotsa could & ice up the Top End.

One of the Ginger Beers told me yesterday that Airbus used the same airframe to test the A380 engines.

Due to leave soon.

[Capn Bloggs]

Airbus used the same airframe to test the A380 engines.
They should have left a couple on it. It would go much better.

[Pera]

Airnorth upgrade?

[Stationair8]

Nah, Airfrontier mate, Scarenorth couldn't afford the lease payments.

[The Green Goblin]

I thought it was for the fully suck dush 8 drivers at Vuncint :}