New Airbus A380 World Tour to Visit Asia and the U.S.

The Airbus' A380, the eagerly anticipated 'Super Jumbo', is embarking on a series of demonstration tours starting on 30th August. Key airports in Southeast Asia and the U.S. will be visited.

The Asia A380 tour will be conducted with flight-test-aircraft MSN (Manufacturer's Serial Number) 007, powered by four Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines. The MSN 007 is equipped with a full passenger cabin, which can comfortably carry 520 passengers in an extra quiet and relaxing three class cabin environment. The International Airports to be visited are:

Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Mai -- August 31 - September 2 
Vietnam, Hanoi -- September 2-3 
China, Hong Kong (Asian Aerospace) -- September 3-5 
Korea, Seoul -- September 5-7.

The US tour will take the A380 flight-test-aircraft MSN009, powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines. 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

Both 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.

Total orders and commitments for the A380 are currently 173 by 14 customers. The first customer A380 will be delivered to Singapore Airlines in October.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Airbus, A380, Pictures of the Airbus A380