>> US and Europe certifies A380 airworthy

by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE - Thursday, 14 December 2006

Authorities of the United States and Europe have collectively approved the Airbus A380 megajumbo airliner. The certificate of airworthiness, issued Tuesday, effectively permits the first aircraft to enter regular passenger service with Singapore Airlines in 10 months time.

Mr Patrick Goudou of European Aviation Safety Agency and Mr John Hickey of the United States' Federal Aviation Administration inked the historic document in Toulouse, France.

At the ceremony in a hangar with a behemoth A380 behind him, Airbus Chief Executive Louis Gallois expressed satisfaction over the event. It represented, he said, "a key milestone for the A380 programme. It was also, he added, a recognition of "the quality of the work performed by all ... who have worked hard ..." to build the A380.

A380's certification testified, the newly-appointed CEO noted, to the aircraft "...meeting or exceeding the expectations in terms of performance, range and environmental friendliness and cabin comfort."

Mr Gallois assured officials present that "both customers and their passengers will love it."

Five aircraft flew more than 800 test-flights in the certification programme since April 2005.

After repeated production glitches, Singapore Airlines now expects its first A380 delivery in October 2007, a delay of almost two years from its original date.


Copyright 2007 AIRMENews. All rights reserved.