The first A380 for Thai Airways International (THAI) was rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Hamburg over the weekend, bearing the airline's distinctive livery.

This marks the completion of the painting and cabin installation work on the aircraft, which will now enter a final phase of ground and flight tests in Hamburg. During this phase of production all cabin systems will be thoroughly tested, including air flow and air conditioning, lighting, galleys, lavatories, seats and in-flight entertainment. In parallel, Airbus will also undertake advanced general performance tests with the aircraft before it flies to Toulouse for preparation for delivery to the airline in the third quarter of the year.

THAI will become the ninth operator of the A380. The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will operate the aircraft on its premier routes from Bangkok to Europe.