Chief Test Pilot Jacques Rosay spoke of the flight test crew’s delight with the way the A380 was performing in a radio call from the cockpit around an hour into the flight.

In a conversation broadcast on the ground to journalists, Jacques said: “The take-off was perfect. Up to now it is all absolutely perfect so we are very happy.” Jacques was speaking to Peter Chandler, Deputy Project Pilot for the A380

The conversation took place with the A380 at 10,000 feet and north of the Pyrenees, between Toulouse and Foix.

“The behaviour of the aircraft both before and after take-off was completely normal,” said Jacques. “After take-off we went up to 10,000 feet accompanied by the chaser aircraft, the Corvette. The aircraft has been fantastic.

“The whole scene is magnificent, as perfect as we thought it would be.”

Jacques said the landing-gear had been successfully retracted and the A380 was now moving as planned into the second phase of the test flight.

Photographs of the A380 in flight were being taken from the Corvette.

Later Claude Lelaie, senior vice president Airbus flight division, also took part in an exchange with Peter Chandler broadcast to the assembled media. He said the A380 was now south of Toulouse and flying at 13,000 feet, adding: “We are currently testing the autopilot and we’ve decelerated down to a low speed.”

FMI: www.airbus.com