Aircraft

Airbus is winding down its fleet of A380 development aircraft following the completion of the main test effort and is to rework them for customers in a programme that will see at least one undergo a switch from Rolls-Royce to Engine Alliance power.

Airbus has five development A380s - four powered by the R-R Trent 900 (MSNs 001, 002, 004 and 007) and a single EA GP7200-powered aircraft (MSN009). While Airbus will retain 001 for ongoing development work as is traditional, at least three of the others are heading for customers.

According to Airbus sources, the airframer has now concluded development work with the two Trent-powered test aircraft that were equipped with fully furnished cabins - MSNs 002 and 007. The former – which has been out of use for some time - is parked engineless at Toulouse and is having its cabin removed before eventually going to a VIP customer.

MSN007 will be reworked for Emirates which will include re-engining to GP7200 power. “It's relatively straightforward as the engine pylons are broadly similar,” says A380 director of product marketing Richard Carcaillet.  “There are only minor differences related to accessories.”

MSN009 will continue airframe/engine interface testing with the GP7200 until late spring, and will eventually be reworked for Emirates.

The long-term plan for MSN004 – which is still available for testing - is not finalised, although Airbus sources say this could undergo re-engining to GP7200 power for additional test flying alongside the Trent-powered MSN001.

Flight's Airbus A380 information page

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