The Airbus A380 has completed a new test mission at Al Ain International Airport to ensure compatibility of its systems before formally being inducted into commercial operations.
This is the fourth time the world's first double-deck aircraft has arrived in the UAE city to undergo a series of tests in hot weather conditions.
Earlier in July, Airbus Industries pilots and technicians tested the performance of the first set of four powerful GP7200 engines in Al Ain. The engines, manufactured by Engine Alliance, had been selected by Emirates airline for its fleet of A380.
The Emirates aircraft will be configured to seat 550 passengers.
The same engine has also been selected by Air France, Korean Airlines, and International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) to power their A380 fleets.
An official of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) told Gulf News that the A380 touched down at Al Ain Airport at around 6pm on Thursday on a four-day mission.
Pilots and engineers immediately began an intensive compatibility cabin testing programme to ensure that the craft was ready for commercial operations.
Faris Al Mazrouei, Al Ain airport director, said Airbus has been using Al Ain International Airport as its base for testing the effectiveness of its systems in hot climates.
He said it "testifies their confidence in the professional services available at the airport." ( Gulf )