New year welcomes first Air France A380

The new year has brought MSN033, the first A380 for Air France (European launch customer), out to the flightline in Toulouse today. This particular airframe was delivered to final assembly in December 2007 and completed its initial body join on 12 February 2008. F-WWSB, which will eventually wear F-HPJA, now has its four GP7200 engines installed and should take its maiden flight within the next two to three weeks. F-HPJA is expected to enter service in April 2009 between Paris and Montreal.

Special thanks to David Barrie for the photograph.