Toulouse, France -- Following six years of development, the Airbus A380 was deemed safe for flight on December 12, by both the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The A380 has successfully completed a rigorous set of tests including a timed evacuation trial in Hamburg, Germany on March 26, when 853 passengers and 20 crew members were evacuated from the plane in 78 seconds.
The aircraft also conforms to the noise standards set by London’s Heathrow airport and releases low emissions. Airport compatibility trials have been completed with 38 airports to ensure that the large aircraft, which is capable of flying up to 8,000 nautical miles, can be accommodated at various destinations.
Some controversy has dogged the A380, including allegations of insider trading at Airbus parent company EADS and wiring problems on the aircraft that delayed delivery date to customers. The first planes are now scheduled to be delivered to Singapore Airlines in October 2007.