Real tests or just a PR campaign

Last year we saw Airbus' technical route proving program with several trips across the world but not to the US. The commercial route proving program we are facing in the next days is an important test and development step. Airbus and Lufthansa conduct this program jointly to simulate realistic conditions and gain knowledge that will smooth the introduction of the new aircraft by airlines.

After almost a year of negative publicity around the Airbus A380 program, I have the impression that this route proving program boosts the project again at least as regards Lufthansa employees ;). More than 13,000 participated in an internal sweepstakes for free tickets on one of the test flights. So I guess the flights are beyond all the tests a PR campaign particularly here in the USA.

Airbus even launched a new microsite to inform the public about the route proving program. Let's see whether it will really feature comments of passengers.. as announced in the 'share'-section.