Desert tests for superjumbo
Desert tests for superjumbo
Steve Creedy | August 03, 2007
THE searing desert around Dubai will be the site of joint hot weather tests for the A380 by Emirates and Airbus this month.
Emirates is the world's biggest customer for the double-decker superjumbo, taking 55 of the 173 planes, and is keen to see the smooth entry of the giant plane to its fleet next year.
The A380 will enter service with Singapore Airlines within the next three months and the aircraft has created a lot of interest among airlines.
Emirates said the hot weather tests were part of an extensive campaign to pave the way for the A380's introduction, which will include technical training later in the year.
Airbus conducted extreme weather testing on the aircraft in the Middle East and Africa last year.
The MSN007 aircraft will undergo airport compatibility checks, on-ground and in-flight service checks and ground handling and maintenance procedure tests during its seven-day Dubai stay.
"Having worked closely with Airbus in the design and development of the A380, we are delighted to be collaborating with them once again to test the ground handling aspects of the aircraft and its operational performance in normal and extreme conditions," said Adel Al Redha, Emirates executive vice-president for engineering and operations.
"Between now and the final date of delivery, there will be more opportunities to test the aircraft's systems, including the unique cabin interiors," he said.
"It is our aim to continue working on perfecting the operational procedures -- on the ground and in the air -- to ensure 100 per cent readiness when Emirates' first A380 enters service next year."
Emirates will conduct flight tests involving its own and Airbus test pilots, with a full load of 517 passengers.
The "passengers" -- actually Emirates staff -- will check in using self-service kiosks, boarding via double-decker bridges and even on buses loading from the tarmac.
Emirates says it has strengthened its pre-flight operations to handle the larger volumes of about 40 per cent more passengers per flight.
A two-hour turnaround between two flights will allow cleaning and catering crew to test their operations, while cargo and baggage loading will be simulated and ground support equipment deployed. Engineering staff, along with Airbus personnel, will conduct routine maintenance of the aircraft, including main wheel changes and nose wheel changes, engine checks and cabin systems checks.
The airline said a critical component of the testing program would be the full-docking trials in the new $8.4 million Emirates Engineering Centre, capable of housing 18 A380s in eight hangars, nine dedicated parking bays and an engine run-up facility...........