Preliminary inspection of a pair of airplanes Airbus used to fly test missions from Toulouse yesterday to assess the effect of volcanic ash on aircraft over Europe showed “no irregularities,” according to the manufacturer.
A380 S/N 004 flew for 3 hours 50 minutes within French airspace and the company’s A340-600 test article flew for five hours in French and German airspace under normal procedures.
The flight test crew noticed nothing abnormal during the flights, Airbus added. “We have passed the information to the engine manufacturers and the airworthiness authorities to support them in evaluating safe conditions for flight,” it said in a statement. Engine Alliance GP7200s power the A380 and Rolls-Royce Trent 500s power the A340-600.
“We are fully committed to work in close coordination with the aeronautical community and provide all technical assistance we can,” said Airbus CEO Tom Enders. “Obviously, the entire industry wants to find a solution as soon as possible and see aircraft flying again in the European skies.”