Aircraft

Airbus has installed its first A380 cabin emergency evacuation trainer (CEET) at its training centre in Toulouse. Manufactured by German company TFC Kaufer to Airbus’ specification, the trainer is 25m (82ft) long and 10m high.

Designed to provide a realistic environment for A380 crews learning to familiarise themselves with the two-deck concept, the trainer is a full-scale representation of the A380’s forward main and forward upper decks.

The CEET has two passenger doors, cabin communication systems, and one main and one upper deck escape slide, as well as an overwing slide. It will be used for safety training in normal and emergency flight situations.

Meanwhile, the A380’s Engine Alliance GP7200 powerplant has received US Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness certification. The engine is initially certificated at 76,500lb thrust (340kN) and can be increased to 81,500lb with the same bill of material.

“Now we are ready to get on with flight testing and certification on the A380,” says Engine Alliance president Bruce Hughes.

The first GP7200-powered A380 is to fly in April – several months later than originally scheduled due to A380 programme delays, and the variant is to enter service with Emirates in April next year.