New Southeast Asia, US Proving Tours Launch Soon

Here's a BIG world tour worth noting... and we're not talking about the latest Van Halen reunion. The mammoth Airbus A380 will embark for a series of demonstration tours starting August 30, travelling to key airports in the US and Southeast Asia.

The Asia-A380-tour will be conducted with flight-test-aircraft MSN007, powered by four Rolls Royce Trend 900 engines. The jet is flying with a full passenger cabin, which can comfortably carry 520 passengers in a three-class cabin-environment.

The International Airports to be visited are:

• Thailand, Bangkok/Chiang Mai -- August 31 - September 2
• Vietnam, Hanoi -- September 2-3
• China, Hongkong (Asian Aerospace) -- September 3-5
• Korea, Seoul -- September 5-7.

Meanwhile, the US tour will take the A380 flight-test-aircraft MSN009, powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, to the United States. The visits are part of the ongoing route proving process for this aircraft/engine-combination. The aircraft, which has no passenger-cabin, will be on static display at the following airports:

• Connecticut, Bradley International Airport (BDL) -- October 2-3
• Kentucky, Cincinnati/N. Kentucky Airport (CVG) -- October 3-4
• California, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) -- October 4-5.

Airbus says the demonstration tours are part of the extensive campaign to prepare the A380 for a smooth entry into service. Operating under typical airline conditions, both aircraft will undergo airport compatibility checks, ground handling and maintenance procedures to confirm its readiness to enter service.

The A380 has already visited more than 45 airports... and by 2011, more than 70 airports will be ready for A380 operations.

FMI: www.airbus.com