The Airbus A380 test aircraft fitted with Engine Alliance GP7200 powerplants has taken off at the manufacturer's facility in Toulouse on its maiden flight.
The aircraft, manufacturer's serial number 009, took off shortly after 10:00. Further details will follow.
MSN009 performed a rejected take-off test on Wednesday in preparation for the flight. The 81,500lb-thrust (363kN) GP7200 is made by General Electric/Pratt & Whitney joint venture Engine Alliance and is offered as the alternative to the Rolls-Royce Trent 900. The aircraft is equipped with heavy flight test instrumentation and ballast to produce a take off weight of 430,000kg (946,000lb).
Captaining the flight is Guy Magrin, experimental test pilot, flying with Franck Chapman, experimental test pilot.