Aircraft

The Airbus A380 completed crosswind tests in extreme conditions at Keflavik airport in Iceland this month. MSN004 completed six landings and five take-offs on 10 November with crosswinds above 40kt (21m/s), gusting up to 56kt. Airbus says this is the first time one of its aircraft has performed tests in such crosswind conditions, which were significantly greater than the minimum of 23kt required for certification. "The aircraft's behaviour and handling was very smooth," says Claude Lelaie, senior vice-president Airbus flight test division.

For more information about the Airbus A380, including test flights, videos and pictures please visit our A380 page