Airbus has converted a former Malaysia Airlines A380 superjumbo into a dedicated FlightLab. This flying laboratory will test next-generation propulsion systems and advanced aviation technologies.
The aircraft will serve as the primary testbed for the CFM International RISE program. Engineers will evaluate the Open Fan engine demonstrator to study real-world aerodynamics and acoustics.
Major structural modifications to the aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027. Airbus anticipates flight testing for the new engine technology will start in 2029.
This initiative supports Airbus’s strategy to develop more fuel-efficient aircraft. The project also integrates advanced digital and virtual monitoring systems within a real flight environment.