The first of eight Airbus A340-500s for Emirates has begun flight testing in Toulouse ahead of deliveries to the carrier in October. Following the delivery, which is around six months later than originally scheduled, the airline will become the first customer to put the Rolls-Royce Trent 500-powered airliner into service, in December. The widebody will initially be operated on Emirates' new non-stop Dubai-Sydney route, as well as to London Gatwick and Osaka, Japan. The airline will use the A340-500 to launch US services next year. Singapore Airlines will be the next customer to receive its -500s, early next year.
Source: Flight International
