Compiled below is the completion of almost a month's worth of research. Many thanks to those of you who assisted in its compilation, you know who you are. Just as this blog was born from data about the Boeing 787 that was publicly available, this production update aims to provide similar information about the Airbus A380. Photographs, press releases, magazines, online encyclopedias and news articles have all been utilized to provide the most comprehensive status update regarding the A380.
If you feel that there are required changes or additions to any of this information, please do not hesitate to contact me at flightblogger (at) gmail (dot) com or leave comments. Those who have information should be aware that sources are closely held and never shared.
If there are those of you who live along (or near) the route of travel for the A380 convoys please do not hesitate to contact me as well.
UPDATED: Monday, February 11, 2008 5:10 PM ET - Changes are BOLD
FLIGHT TESTING
Airbus used MSN001, 002, 004, 007, 009 for its A380 flight test program. All but MSN001 will be refurbished and delivered to airline customers in 2013 and beyond. MSN002 is destined for to be converted to a VIP aircraft. It is currently sitting de-engined awaiting modifications at TLS. MSN007 will be refurbished and re-engined with GP7200s and MSN009 (already sporting GP7200s) will be delivered to Emirates. MSN004 was repainted and flown using GTL (gas-to-liquid) synthetic fuel from Toulouse to Filton in the UK. It was the first flight of a commercial aircraft using alternative fuels.
DELIVERED
MSN003 - Singapore Airlines - 9V-SKA
The aircraft was delivered on the 15th of October 2007 to Singapore Airlines. The aircraft flew its first revenue service eleven days later between Singapore and Sydney. Currently 9V-SKA only operates on the route between these two cities. Parts for the first commercial A380 were delivered to Toulouse in late February of 2005 and the aircraft flew for the first time in May of 2006.
MSN005 - Singapore Airlines - F-WWSB - 9V-SKB
The second SIA A380 flew for the first time on July 19, 2006 when it was flown to Hamburg for installation of custom electrical harnesses. The aircraft remained in Hamburg to have its interior installed as well. (PHOTO 1,PHOTO 2) MSN005 flew from XFW to TLS on the morning of December 8th after the completion of its cabin installation and rewiring. The aircraft was delivered on the 12th of January to Singapore Airlines. Its early flights will be on the SIN-SYD route followed by SIN-LHR in February 2008.
PRODUCTION
MSN006 - Singapore Airlines - F-WWSC - 9V-SKC
The third SIA A380 flew for the first time on November 17, 2006 and was ferried to XFW on November 24 for electrical harness installation. Singapore Airlines is expected to take delivery in February 2008.
MSN008 - Singapore Airlines - F-WWSE - 9V-SKD
First flight of the fourth A380 for SIA occurred on March 19, 2007. The aircraft is now at XFW for wiring rework and interior fitting. The aircraft will be delivered to SIA in April 2008 and will be used between Singapore and Tokyo.
MSN010 - Singapore Airlines - F-WWSG - 9V-SKE
The fifth A380 for SIA flew for the first time on December 21, 2007. It was first photographed outside at TLS in February 2006 and then again surrounded by scaffolding in March 2007. MSN010 was spotted being ferried to XFW for wiring rework on the 4th of January 2008. Its planned delivery to SIA is set for December 2008.
MSN011 - Emirates - F-WWSH - A6-EDA
Power on for Emirates' first A380 occurred in Mid-April 2007. The first flight took place on September 4, 2007. The aircraft is currently at XFW for rewiring. It is expected to enter service in August of 2008.
MSN012 - Singapore Airlines - F-WWSI - 9V-SKF
The sixth A380 for SIA as first seen in the assembly hangar in Toulouse February 2006. It is set to be delivered to SIA in May of 2009. The aircraft was spotted taxiing for the first time on February 11, 2008. The first flight typically happens within two weeks of the first taxi tests.
MSN013 - Emirates - F-WWSJ - A6-EDB
The aircraft is being assembled in Toulouse. There is no known photograph of this aircraft. Delivery is expected to take place in September of 2008.
MSN014 - QANTAS - F-WWSK - VH-OQA
The aircraft underwent systems testing in July 2007. This aircraft is expected to fly by the end of 2007 and be delivered in October 2008. MSN014 was spotted with it engines installed in late November. MSN014 was seen taxiing for the first time under its own power on January 15 at TLS. First flight took place from TLS on the 25th of January. The aircraft was ferried to XFW on the 30th of January.
MSN015 - QANTAS - F-WWSL - VH-OQB
According to Airbus, final assembly is largely completed and first flight has not yet occurred. There is no known photograph of MSN015. This aircraft will be delivered along side MSN014 when it is ready for delivery in October 2008.
MSN016, MSN017 - Emirates - F-WWSM, F-WWSN - A6-EDC, A6-EDD
Both aircraft are destined for Emirates airlines for delivery in October and December of 2008 respectively and have been spotted (MSN017, MSN016) being towed around TLS without engines.
MSN018 - Malaysian (if confirmed) - F-WWSO
No parts have been delivered to Toulouse for MSN018.
MSN019 - Singapore Airlines - F-WWSP - 9V-SKG
The aircraft is said to be under construction in Toulouse, however, there are no known photographs or additional details are available. Delivery to SIA is expected in December of 2009.
MSN020 - Emirates - F-WWS*
This aircraft was seen being towed between assembly hangars at TLS on December 20.
MSN021 - Singapore - F-WWSQ - 9V-SKH
Parts were delivered to Toulouse for final assembly on October 1, 2007 to TLS for final assembly. Convoy photos (Center Fuselage 1, Center Fuselage 2, Wing, Horizontal Tail Plane , Forward Fuselage, Forward Fueslage 2 , Aft Fuselage) Delivery of this aircraft will not take place until January of 2009.
MSN022 - QANTAS - F-WWSR - VH-OQC
The third A380 for QANTAS has been spotted being towed around Toulouse largely assembled and unpainted. QANTAS will receive this A380 in July of 2009.
MSN023 - Emirates - F-WWST - A6-EDF
Aircraft is said to be under construction, no photographs or details are available. Delivery anticipated for February 2009.
The status of MSN024 and MSN025 is currently unknown. No parts have been delivered via convoy for either of these airframes.
MSN026 - QANTAS - F-WWSX - VH-OQD
This A380 for QANTAS was built out of sequence and will be the first aircraft with production wiring requiring no modifications. The aircraft is currently undergoing assembly at Toulouse and power on expected to take place by the end of 2007. The fourth QANTAS A380 is currently under construction in Toulouse sporting the old livery and will be repainted prior to delivery. The photograph is misattributed to MSN014, in fact it is MSN026. Delivery is expected by August of 2008 as one of QANTAS' first A380.
MSN029 - QANTAS - F-WW** - VH-OQF
FlightBlogger has confirmed that parts for this aircraft were delivered to Toulouse in complete convoy over four days from January 21-24, 2008.
MSN033 - Air France - F-HPJA
Speculation points to delivery of sections of the first A380 for Air France to Toulouse in early December (10th-13th). This has not yet been confirmed.
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