FINAL ASSEMBLY OF MALAYSIA AIRLINES' A380 BEGINS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- The first Malaysia Airlines (MAS)' A380
has entered the Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse, France, for the final
production phase.

The final assembly process of an A380 is made up of five main phases,
according to a statement from the Malaysian carrier.

It will also have its engines installed and general tests conducted on its
electric and hydraulic systems as well as mobile parts and landing gears.

"Final ground and first engine tests take place in dedicated facilities
outside of the main building," it said.

The plane will then be ready for its first flight to Hamburg, Germany, where
it will receive its cabin and painted in MAS livery, a more stylised version of
the Malaysian "wau" (kite) which has been given a modern look reflecting the
carrier's evolution into a truly global carrier.

Malaysia Airlines has six A380s on order with deliveries due to begin in
2012.