Airbus Deutschland has begun final assembly of the A318 prototype with the joining of the front and rear fuselage sections at its plant in Hamburg. The next stage, later this month, will see the attachment of wings, landing gear and engine pylons, followed by horizontal and vertical tail surfaces and tailcone. Next month, the aircraft will be equipped with its Pratt & Whitney PW6000s. First flight is scheduled for January, with certification following in October and first deliveries in December 2002.
Source: Flight International
