DAIMLER-BENZ AEROSPACE AIRBUS (DASA) performed a power-on check on the first Airbus A319 airliner in late May at its Hamburg final assembly line. The procedure involved activating for the first time all the aircraft's electrical systems, energising the circuits one by one, initially using an external power supply. DASA Airbus' factory is also the final assembly site of the 123-seat A319's larger stable-mate, the A321. The company has received 71 firm orders for the A319 to date. The maiden flight of the first aircraft, which is to go to Swissair, is scheduled to take place in September. Final assembly of the second aircraft is due to begin on 21 June.

Source: Flight International