A380 tests successful, says Emirates

Emirates has announced its testing of the Airbus A380 aircraft in Dubai has been a success.

The A380, a double-decker jetliner capable of seating up to 555 passengers across three cabin classes, underwent thorough checks at Dubai International Airport in a schedule that involved 2,000 people and 100 tests over a week-long period.

Emirates has ordered 55 of the aircraft and expects to take its first official delivery of the planes in August 2008.

Adel Al Redha, executive vice president of engineering and operations for Emirates, said that the airline was "delighted" at the smooth running of the trial flights and procedure checks.

"It was an extremely gratifying moment when the first flight lifted off the runway amidst a ripple of applause, both from the onboard passengers and from ground staff on the tarmac," he commented.

About 165 of the aircraft have been ordered by airlines across the world as of July 2007.

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