Airbus is to fly the Korean Air Airbus A380 at the Paris air show today, a substitute for the aircraft damaged in a ground collision on 19 June.

The Korean Air jet, fitted with Engine Alliance GP7200 powerplants, will perform at 16:15, said the airframer.

It is unclear whether Airbus intends to conduct the same display routine it had planned for the test A380.

Korean Airlines A380
 © Billypix

That aircraft lost a starboard wing fence and damaged its wingtip after striking a building while taxiing after landing.

"We've been looking for an alternative solution," said Airbus.

Flying the Korean Air jet had been examined as an option, the company said.

Using another test A380 had been ruled out because modification work for testing the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine on the jet is too far advanced. Grounding of the display A380 was a "left-footed start" to the Paris air show, said Airbus. "But you'll see us recovering."

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news

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