Airbus Flight Deck - Handle?

[Jimmy Macintosh]

I was looking at the panaromic view of the A380 flight deck when a colleagued asked what the large handle under the captains side window was for?

I guessed it was to open and close the window but admitted that I didn't have a clue, it seems quite large for such a simple use, so hopefully someone here knows?

Thanks in advance,

JM.