Airbus has completed basic assembly of the A340-600 development aircraft, and the first flight is now set for "the spring", three to four months later than planned. The 380-seater is undergoing functional testing and installation of its four Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines. The A340-500/600 programme has suffered weight increases and wings supply problems from BAE Systems. It is unclear if the delay will affect deliveries to launch customer Virgin Atlantic, which were due to begin in Spring 2002.
Source: Flight International
