The Airbus A340-600 was last week awarded type certification by the European Joint Aviation Authorities, following a certification programme in which three of the long-range aircraft made 500 flights, clocking up 1,600h. The Rolls-Royce Trent 500-powered A340-600 made its maiden flight on 23 April, 2001. The certification campaign included a long-range flight programme with full loads of 380 passengers and route-proving trials with customers Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic. Launch customer Virgin is set to receive its first A340-600 in July.
Source: Flight International
