A380 evacuation test is approved

Approval from the European Aviation and Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration confirms the plane's maximum 853-person capacity.

During the A380's evacuation test in Germany, one man broke his leg and another 32 people had minor injuries.

To date, 159 of the twin-deck planes have been ordered by 16 airlines.

'Milestone'

Under the evacuation test, 853 volunteer "passengers" and 20 crew members left the aircraft within 78 seconds.

THE EVACUATION DRILL

• 853 passengers and 20 crew taking part
• Lights were out in cabin
• Debris was strewn across cabin
• Half of exits were closed
• Passengers were not told which exits were in use
• Passengers had to wear their seat belts
• Evacuation took 80 seconds
• Drill had to feature at least 40% women, 35% people over 50

A380 maiden flight in pictures

According to the set regulations, the test was performed in complete darkness, using only half of the 16 exits on the A380.

Charles Champion, head of the A380 programme at Airbus, said the approval of the test was a "major milestone" on the plane's way to gaining its certification for public use.

"This is an exceptional result and a remarkable success for Airbus," he said.

"I would like to thank all participants, the crew and all teams who worked for months on this exercise. They did a fantastic job."

Realistic passenger mix

To make the drill as realistic as possible, the volunteers represented a broad-cross section of the population in terms of age and sex.

About 40% of those taking part were women, while 35% had to be over the age of 50.

Three life-size dolls were carried on board to represent children under two years old.

The first A380s are due to go into service with Singapore Airlines at the end of this year.

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