Thai Airways’ first A380 makes maiden flight from Toulouse

First THAI A380 takes off from Toulouse for its maiden flight

MANILA, Philippines — The first A380 for Thai Airways International (THAI) took off for its maiden flight on Tuesday following completion of the airframe assembly and system tests in Toulouse, France.

After a successful flight of more than four hours, the aircraft landed in Hamburg, Germany, where it is entering the next phase of production, covering cabin installation and painting.

THAI will become the ninth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in the third quarter of 2012.

The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will operate the aircraft on its premier routes from Bangkok to Europe.