Local time of departure: 12.30

Weather at departure airport: good

The A340-600 taking off from London Heathrow today at 12.30 local time on the first leg of its route proving flights.

The aircraft, which will fly direct to Hong Kong, is carrying 115 passengers, including specialists from Airbus and from major suppliers in all areas concerned: flight tests and certification authorities pilots and engineers, programme, design office, marketing and customer services.